University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Centers Program

Program Overview

The UAMS / Washington Regional Internal Medicine Residency Program is situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was founded in 2022 as a new community-based program. This residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a categorical three-year internal medicine training track, with eight positions available each year. The program is operated through a partnership with UAMS Regional Campuses and Washington Regional Medical Center, which serves as the primary training site for residents.

The program aims to cultivate highly skilled and compassionate physicians who excel in internal medicine, focusing on training residents in clinical reasoning, critical thinking, teaching, research, and healthcare delivery to diverse and underserved populations in Northwest Arkansas.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum implements a 4+2 system which ensures comprehensive clinical experiences. Residents participate in inpatient wards, continuity clinics, and various specialty rotations, which cover areas such as cardiology, geriatrics, emergency medicine, and pulmonary care. Residents spend six half-days each week in dedicated continuity clinics, caring for their own patients under faculty supervision. In addition, they have weekly dedicated ambulatory didactics that include board reviews, 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 as gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, and women’s health.

Training Sites and Facilities

The primary clinical training site is Washington Regional Medical Center, recognized as the #1 hospital in Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report for its superior care across various specialties. This facility is a 425-bed community hospital that includes specialized centers such as the Neuroscience Institute, Heart Institute, and Women and Infants Center. Moreover, Washington Regional ensures a rich clinical environment by being the only Level 2 trauma center in the region and a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Educational activities take place primarily on the hospital premises, although some simulation exercises may occur at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus.

Research Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to engage in clinical research, with ample support provided by the program. A series of structured lectures and workshops during the intern year introduce residents to essential research methodologies and project development. The goal for each resident is to present their findings at academic conferences and strive for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Dedicated research mentorship is facilitated by clinical faculty and a dedicated statistician who assist residents in their scholarly pursuits.

Fellowship Preparation

The program aims to prepare residents for subspecialty training and academic careers through comprehensive mentorship and a formalized Fellowship Preparation Plan. Residents can benefit from individualized mentorship in their intended fellowship fields, as well as opportunities for collaboration with faculty from the main UAMS campus in Little Rock.

Application Process

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

There is no sponsorship for H-1B or J-1 visas. However, other non-immigrant visa types may be considered, and international applicants must have ECFMG certification as part of their qualifications.

Living and Culture in Northwest Arkansas

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

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