University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Centers Program

Program Overview

The UAMS / Washington Regional Internal Medicine ResidencyProgram is situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was founded in2022 as a new community-based program. This residency program isaccredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate MedicalEducation (ACGME) and offers a categorical three-year internalmedicine training track, with eight positions available each year.The program is operated through a partnership with UAMS RegionalCampuses and Washington Regional Medical Center, which serves asthe primary training site for residents.

The program aims to cultivate highly skilled and compassionatephysicians who excel in internal medicine, focusing on trainingresidents in clinical reasoning, critical thinking, teaching,research, and healthcare delivery to diverse and underservedpopulations in Northwest Arkansas.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum implements a 4+2 system which ensurescomprehensive clinical experiences. Residents participate ininpatient wards, continuity clinics, and various specialtyrotations, which cover areas such as cardiology, geriatrics,emergency medicine, and pulmonary care. Residents spend sixhalf-days each week in dedicated continuity clinics, caring fortheir own patients under faculty supervision. In addition, theyhave weekly dedicated ambulatory didactics that include boardreviews, simulation training, and teaching skills curriculum.

The core rotation blocks include:

• Inpatient wards rotation
• Continuity of care resident clinic
• MICU
• Night float (no 24-hour call shifts)
• Emergency medicine
• Elective rotations in various subspecialties such asgastroenterology, hematology/oncology, and women’s health.

Training Sites and Facilities

The primary clinical training site is Washington RegionalMedical Center, recognized as the #1 hospital in Arkansas by U.S.News & World Report for its superior care across variousspecialties. This facility is a 425-bed community hospital thatincludes specialized centers such as the Neuroscience Institute,Heart Institute, and Women and Infants Center. Moreover, WashingtonRegional ensures a rich clinical environment by being the onlyLevel 2 trauma center in the region and a designated ComprehensiveStroke Center.

Educational activities take place primarily on the hospitalpremises, although some simulation exercises may occur at the UAMSNorthwest Regional Campus.

Research Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to engage in clinical research,with ample support provided by the program. A series of structuredlectures and workshops during the intern year introduce residentsto essential research methodologies and project development. Thegoal for each resident is to present their findings at academicconferences and strive for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Dedicated research mentorship is facilitated by clinical facultyand a dedicated statistician who assist residents in theirscholarly pursuits.

Fellowship Preparation

The program aims to prepare residents for subspecialty trainingand academic careers through comprehensive mentorship and aformalized Fellowship Preparation Plan. Residents can benefit fromindividualized mentorship in their intended fellowship fields, aswell as opportunities for collaboration with faculty from the mainUAMS campus in Little Rock.

Application Process

The application process for the program is highly competitiveand embraces a holistic review approach that values diversity,equity, and inclusion. Key requirements for applicants includegraduating from medical schools accredited by LCME or AOA withinthe last five years and successful completion of USMLE or COMLEXwithin a specified number of attempts.

There is no sponsorship for H-1B or J-1 visas. However, othernon-immigrant visa types may be considered, and internationalapplicants must have ECFMG certification as part of theirqualifications.

Living and Culture in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas offers a high-quality living experience withits rich natural beauty and robust community amenities. Housingoptions abound, and the area is recognized for its vibrant culture,including institutions such as the Crystal Bridges Museum ofAmerican Art and extensive recreational opportunities.

With its economical cost of living and growing population,Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in thestate, providing a dynamic and engaging environment for bothresidents and their families.