University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Greater Orlando/Osceola) Program

The University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Greater Orlando/Osceola) Emergency Medicine Residency Program is designed to equip residents with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required for successful careers in emergency medicine. The program focuses on a curriculum that emphasizes clinical excellence, teamwork, and social accountability while also promoting a supportive learning environment.

Program Overview

This residency program spans three clinical sites: HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Orlando VA Health System, and UCF Health, providing a diverse patient population that allows for exposure to a wide range of clinical scenarios. The program adopts a 4+1 schedule that includes four weeks of uninterrupted inpatient experiences followed by one week of ambulatory clinic blocks. Residency training incorporates strong mentorship and resident-led interest groups, enhancing the professional development of each resident.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a mix of hands-on clinical training and didactic learning. An academic half-day is scheduled every Thursday, freeing residents from clinical duties to focus entirely on education. This session includes core curriculum learning to enhance medical knowledge. Additionally, the residency highlights the importance of quality improvement and patient safety through structured curriculums designed to instill essential principles and methodologies in residents during their training.

Emergency Medicine Focus

The program emphasizes acute care and provides the essential training required to handle emergency situations effectively. Residents engage in a variety of procedures and simulational training to hone their practical skills in critical care scenarios. This exposure to real-life emergencies prepares them to make crucial decisions under pressure.

Rotations

Residents complete multiple rotations that cover various aspects of emergency medicine through assignments at each of the clinical sites, focusing on trauma, pediatrics, and critical care among other specialized areas. The program implements dedicated rotations to provide theoretical and practical learning experiences, ensuring residents are well-rounded in all facets of emergency care.

Research Opportunities

Clinical research is an integral part of the residency. Residents actively engage in quality improvement projects, case reports, and presentations at local and national conferences. The program supports research initiatives and provides the necessary resources and mentorship to guide residents in scholarly activities, thus fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement in clinical practice.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs). It welcomes qualified international applicants who meet the established criteria, including evidence of ECFMG certification eligibility. The program has a supportive admission policy towards IMGs, reflecting its commitment to diversity in the training environment.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a complete ERAS application with a Minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one from the department of medicine chair. Passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) are preferred, ideally within two years of graduation from medical school. The program also encourages osteopathic graduates by accepting COMLEX scores as well. Additionally, the program does not offer pre-match positions, emphasizing a competitive selection process.

Competitiveness

The residency program is highly competitive, particularly for international medical graduates. A strong academic record, excellent performance on standardized examinations, and relevant clinical experiences are critical for successful application. The program’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is evident, specifically welcoming the contributions of diverse backgrounds among its residents and faculty.

Living in Orlando

Residing in Orlando offers the residents unique advantages, including access to world-class entertainment, recreational activities, and a vibrant cultural scene. The mentorship and camaraderie fostered within the residency create a supportive community complemented by diverse social experiences available in the city. Orlando is known for its great weather and attractions such as theme parks, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of dining options.