University Hospitals Community Consortium Program

Overview of the Program

The University Hospitals Community Consortium Program in Emergency Medicine at Westlake offers a comprehensive training program designed for residents to develop their skills in emergency medicine. The main clinical site, UH St. John Medical Center, features a Level III Trauma Status and a Certified Stroke Center, allowing residents to manage a diverse and complex patient population, including a significant volume of critical care cases.

Residents experience a unique and engaging curriculum that emphasizes critical care and includes a 12% critical care patient rate, exposing them to a wide variety of medical pathologies and trauma cases.

Curriculum

The curriculum at the program aligns with accreditation standards and provides an immersive training experience across multiple disciplines. It includes a series of rotations tailored to ensure residents gain comprehensive exposure to emergency medicine.

All elective rotations must receive prior approval from the Program Director and are contingent on availability. The program comprises various rotations throughout the four years of residency, where one block corresponds to four weeks of training. The curriculum may also be subject to changes based on evolving medical standards and program requirements.

Unique Program Features

The program is distinguished by several unique features aimed at enhancing residents’ learning and practical experiences:

• Extensive didactic sessions facilitated through the Foundations of Emergency Medicine curriculum.
• Quarterly simulation training to practice critical skills in a controlled environment.
• Hands-on experience in the pediatric emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit at Akron Children's Hospital.
• Opportunities for community EMS experience and training in ultrasound procedures.
• Competitive compensation and benefits plan that includes an educational stipend for various learning materials.

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and be considered only for PGY1 positions. The program's official listing in the ERAS database is as University Hospitals Community Consortium Program (UHCC/Westlake) Emergency Medicine Residency.

It is essential to note that the program does not accept applications requiring ECFMG, J-1, or H-1B visa sponsorships. An array of documents is required when applying, including the ERAS Common Application Form, curriculum vitae, dean's letter, letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX scores.

Interviews are conducted virtually, scheduled to begin in October for the following academic year, with evaluation based on qualifications rather than personal attributes.

Visa Support

The program does not sponsor visas, specifically denying sponsorship for ECFMG, J-1, or H-1B visas. Applicants should consider this when preparing their applications to meet any necessary immigration requirements.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in the program benefit from competitive stipends based on their year of training, which for the year 2024 are as follows:

• PGY 1: $65,817
• PGY 2: $68,392
• PGY 3: $71,070
• PGY 4: $73,542
• PGY 5: $76,014
• PGY 6: $78,692
• PGY 7: $80,958

Additional benefits include educational funds for resources such as books and professional memberships, health insurance coverage, paid time off, paid meal allowances during on-call duties, and various supportive services for resident wellness.

Competitiveness

The program is considered competitive in its applicant selection, emphasizing the quality of candidates over quotas based on affiliations or previous backgrounds. The commitment to diversity and an inclusive selection policy fosters a rich academic environment that benefits all residents.