University of California Davis Health Program

Overview of the UC Davis Health Internal Medicine Residency Program

The University of California Davis Health Internal Medicine Residency Program is committed to developing outstanding internists through a unique combination of academic rigor, diverse clinical experiences, and a supportive resident community. The program emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, embodying a mission to train physicians who will improve the care of patients across various populations.

Program Aims and Structure

The program aims to nurture a diverse group of residents who can develop into various career paths such as clinician-scientists, hospitalists, and primary care physicians. It features a 4+1+1 schedule for interns and a 4+4 schedule for upper-level residents, which allows structured time for outpatient care, electives, and vacation while providing a significant amount of inpatient experience. The academic components are robust and integrated into the residency, with a commitment to anti-racism and equitable healthcare practices.

Clinical Rotation Experience

The Residency Program includes a comprehensive clinical rotation schedule, allowing residents to experience diverse patient populations and clinical settings. Residents spend approximately 70% of their time at the UC Davis Medical Center, a tertiary-quaternary referral hospital, and also rotate through community hospitals such as the Sacramento VA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente facilities. Each site offers varied patient demographics, exposure to complex cases, and different healthcare delivery models.

Curriculum and Didactic Education

UC Davis Health emphasizes a blend of clinical training and didactic education throughout the residency. An integral part of this education is the Academic Half Day, where residents engage in protected teaching time for comprehensive discussions on various medical topics, including standard practices, quality improvement, and evidence-based medicine.

Conferences and Workshops

Conferences are held regularly, including a monthly Morbidity, Mortality, Quality and Safety Conference, as well as Grand Rounds that focus on case-based learning. The program also utilizes dedicated simulation sessions for procedural training, enhancing the residents' preparedness for clinical scenarios.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

The UC Davis Internal Medicine Residency Program has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through its Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee (DICE). This resident-led committee focuses on promoting a diverse residency culture and addressing issues of structural inequality. The program aims to recruit residents from varied backgrounds to represent the community's needs better.

Supporting Underrepresented Groups

Admission practices prioritize holistic reviews, considering applicants' life experiences, attributes, and academic performance, especially from underrepresented groups in medicine. This approach fosters an environment of mutual respect and equity among residents and staff.

Research Opportunities and Resident Outcomes

The program encourages residents to participate in research and offers a variety of tracks, such as the Research Track, to develop scholarly skills alongside clinical training. Financial support is available for residents presenting at conferences and engaging in academic pursuits. Graduates have historically achieved strong outcomes in fellowship matches across various subspecialties, showcasing the program's effectiveness in training competent physicians.

Life After Residency

UC Davis Health's graduates enter diverse fields ranging from primary care to specialized fellowship training, often within prestigious institutions. Alumni frequently engage in academia and community-based practices, furthering their reach in improving healthcare outcomes.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The UC Davis Internal Medicine Residency Program supports J-1 Visa applications for international medical graduates. Applicants must present a completed ERAS application, USMLE or COMLEX scores, three letters of recommendation, a dean's letter, and clinical experience within American healthcare settings. The program values a holistic review and does not require a minimum board score, thus being both DO and IMG friendly.

Specific application deadlines and documentation must be adhered to, and international applicants are expected to have a valid ECFMG certificate as a prerequisite for consideration.