University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Gainesville) Program

The University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare Emergency Medicine Residency Program is designed to provide residents with a comprehensive and innovative training experience in emergency medicine. This program, sponsored by the UCF/HCA Healthcare GME Consortium, is based at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where the department serves a busy and diverse patient population. Residents are exposed to a high-acuity environment in an unopposed educational setting, ensuring a rich learning experience.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the emergency medicine residency program is highly adaptable, utilizing the latest evidence-based educational methods. The program emphasizes interactive teaching approaches such as flipped classrooms, case-based learning, and frequent simulation workshops. Residents receive an extensive didactic curriculum that spans 18 months, enabling them to acquire foundational and advanced knowledge necessary for clinical practice. The longitudinal curriculum encompasses areas such as core emergency medicine, pediatrics, geriatric care, ultrasound, emergency medical services, and more, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their roles as emergency physicians 1.

Rotations

During the training period, residents participate in various rotations that include pediatric emergency medicine, critical care, and prehospital medicine through the EMS program. The schedule for emergency department shifts varies by year, with PGY1 residents typically having 18 shifts per block, allowing for significant clinical exposure and hands-on experiences. Opportunities also exist for residents to engage in disaster medicine and provide medical care during large events 2.

Research Opportunities

The program fosters a strong research culture, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities. Each resident is expected to present a poster at a conference and publish a research paper before graduation. The residency offers access to a robust research curriculum and various resources, including a dedicated research coordinator and funding options 3.

EMS Experience

The involvement of residents in prehospital medicine is a vital component of the training. Each resident dedicates time to EMS rotations, which includes riding along with local fire rescue units and participating in quality improvement meetings with EMS agencies. This extensive experience enhances their understanding of emergency medical protocols and the administrative aspects of prehospital care 4.

Benefits and Support

Residents at the University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare receive competitive salaries starting at $61,686 for PGY-1, along with comprehensive benefits such as medical and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, and a retirement plan. Additionally, the program promotes resident wellness and offers educational leave policies 5.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This residency program is highly competitive and friendly toward diverse applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Prospective applicants must submit a complete application through ERAS, which should include medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The program prefers candidates with two SLOEs and requires the completion of USMLE or COMLEX exams 6.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates who meet program eligibility criteria. This facilitates the participation of non-U.S. citizen applicants who seek residency training in the United States.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The integration with the UCF College of Medicine provides residents with unique educational opportunities, reinforcing advanced pedagogical practices in a state-of-the-art facility. The program's faculty members are closely involved in medical education, providing residents a blend of clinical and educational expertise. Moreover, fellows with specific interests can explore various specialized tracks tailored to enrich their training experience 7.