Tower Health Program

Specialty:Transitional year
ACGME Code:9994100119
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

Tower Health offers a Transitional Year residency program that is designed to prepare graduates for advanced specialty training. However, it is essential to note that the program is currently being phased out and will not recruit for future classes. This decision follows an extensive history of successful graduates who have pursued fellowships and advanced training at prestigious hospitals across the United States.

The Transitional Year residency is typically structured to provide residents with a solid foundation in various medical disciplines, ensuring they are well-rounded and equipped for their subsequent specialties. Although the program will cease operation, understanding its past structure is valuable for prospective applicants to similar transitional year programs.

Visa Support and Types

During its operational phase, the Tower Health program supported a variety of visa types, particularly for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program offered Visa Sponsorship including H-1B and J-1 visas for qualified applicants. However, since the program is being phased out, it is advisable to inquire about current options in other transitional year programs.

Competitiveness

The program historically held a competitive position among transitional year residencies but is no longer recruiting new residents. Prior to its closure, the program was considered relatively competitive, attracting medical graduates from diverse backgrounds including DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and FMGs (Foreign Medical Graduates).

Rotations and Curriculum

Traditionally, the curriculum for the Transitional Year at Tower Health included a variety of rotations across essential fields. Residents typically completed rotations in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency medicine. These rotations were structured to provide a comprehensive view of patient care and medical practices across multiple specialties.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities were available within the program, allowing residents to engage in important clinical research that could contribute to advancements in medical knowledge and patient care. Participation in research augmented the educational experience, preparing residents for future academic endeavors or evidence-based practice in their chosen specialties.

Unique Aspects

The Tower Health Transitional Year program was noted for its community-oriented approach. Residents often experienced robust training in a more personalized hospital setting compared to larger academic centers. This environment allowed for greater interaction with attending physicians and hands-on learning opportunities.

Special Application Requirements

To be considered for the Tower Health Transitional Year residency, applicants typically needed to meet specific requirements. This often included having completed core clerkships in required areas and obtaining letters of recommendation. Previous years' application cycles indicated a limit on failed examinations, with candidates usually required to have no more than one failed USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step exam, but this may vary by cycle and program.

Current Residents

Although the program is no longer accepting residents, it previously included a diverse group of individuals from various medical schools. The current residents reflected this diversity, representing schools such as the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, showcasing the caliber of education and backgrounds.

Web sources

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Program data

ACGME History [3]

Accreditation Last updated: --

No accreditation history data available.

Program

Program Size

0, 0, 0 (1 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

Composition [2]

--

Training

Fellowship Rate:100% [2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4.1X [1]

Residents Career Path [2]

Fellowship · 100%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 12 days [1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days [1]

First Year Salary: $59,321 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:F1 [2]

YOG Cutoff:--

Race / Ethnicity

No race data available.

Gender

No gender data available.

Incoming Schools

No incoming school data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Location

Reading, PA [5]

Population
95,112
Median income
$38,814Below
Education
12.3%Below
Employment
55.8%Above
Health
16.2%Above
Age
32Below
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [6]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [7]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Reading, PA

Crime Rate and Safety

Reading has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in certain neighborhoods. It's important to research specific areas for safety.

Fun Activities

Reading offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking in nearby trails, visiting the Reading Public Museum, or exploring the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

Climate

The climate in Reading is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with occasional snowfall.

Races and Population

Reading is a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population, along with African American and Caucasian communities.

Education

Reading has several schools and colleges, including Albright College and Reading Area Community College.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Reading is lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable place to live.

Proximity to Bigger Cities

Reading is about 1.5 hours drive from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City. Both cities offer a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.

Pros

  • Affordable cost of living
  • proximity to major cities
  • diverse population.

Cons

  • Higher crime rate in certain areas
  • cold winters.

FAQ

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Nearby programs

Transitional year Programs Near Reading, PA

References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/9994100119

2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/5591

3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US4263624

6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr