The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine residency program that is designed to foster skilled, compassionate physicians through an inclusive and community-oriented approach. The program's mission aligns with JABSOM's vision of promoting health equity and addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in Hawaii and the broader Pacific region.
Curriculum Overview
The Internal Medicine residency curriculum is structured to provide residents with a robust education that integrates clinical practice with evidence-based medicine. Key components of the curriculum include:
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL): The program utilizes PBL as a core teaching method, encouraging residents to collaboratively identify learning needs and apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.
- Rotations: Residents experience a wide array of rotations across multiple specialties, ensuring a well-rounded clinical education. This includes training in critical care, outpatient settings, subspecialties, and continuity of care.
- Community-Based Medicine: With a focus on community health, the program emphasizes engagement with diverse populations, including Native Hawaiians and those living in rural or underserved areas.
Training Sites
Residents train at various accredited healthcare facilities that serve as primary teaching sites. These include:
- The Queen's Medical Center: A leading tertiary care hospital in Hawaii, providing extensive resources for both inpatient and outpatient care.
- Kaiser Permanente: Offers a robust experience in managed care and preventive medicine.
- Hilo Medical Center: Provides opportunities to practice in a community hospital setting, focusing on a population with unique healthcare needs.
- Tripler Army Medical Center: Offers residents exposure to military healthcare practices.
Research Opportunities
The Internal Medicine residency program encourages residents to engage in research as an integral part of their training. Research activities may focus on:
- Health disparities and social determinants of health affecting the local population.
- Innovative treatment protocols and community health interventions.
- Collaboration with research centers dedicated to tropical and infectious diseases.
Residents have access to around $50 million in external funding for research annually, with numerous opportunities to publish and present findings at national conferences.
Diversity and Inclusion
JABSOM prides itself on being one of the most culturally diverse medical schools in the United States. The Internal Medicine residency program actively seeks to recruit applicants from various backgrounds, including underrepresented minorities, to ensure a diverse cohort of residents who can better serve the multicultural population of Hawaii.
Visa Support
The program supports candidates requiring visa sponsorship. JABSOM typically sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers assistance navigating the visa process, ensuring foreign medical graduates can gain valuable training in the United States.
Competitiveness
The Internal Medicine residency program at JABSOM is regarded as competitive, welcoming both U.S.-trained and international medical graduates. The program is known for being IMG-friendly and is committed to evaluating applicants holistically, emphasizing clinical experience, recommendation letters, and diversity of experience over mere numerical scores.
Application Requirements
To apply to the Internal Medicine residency program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school.
- No more than one failed attempt on each of the USMLE Step exams.
- A commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities.
- Demonstrated interest in internal medicine and community health.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the program's requirements and prepare their applications to reflect their strengths and interests.
Conclusion
The Internal Medicine residency program at JABSOM offers an enriching environment that nourishes future leaders in medicine. With its emphasis on community engagement, inclusivity, and robust training, residents are well-equipped to address the healthcare needs of Hawaii and beyond.
Website
Director
James P Yess, MDProgram Director, Teaching Faculty Appointed Since September 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
80hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,507First Year Paid Vacation:
15 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
12 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
214Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Honolulu, HI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Honolulu, HI
- Crime Rate and Safety: Honolulu has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major cities in the US. The city and its surrounding areas offer a generally safe environment for residents.
- Fun Activities: Honolulu is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and water activities like snorkeling and surfing. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene with museums, art galleries, and amazing restaurants.
- Climate: Honolulu has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. You can expect lots of sunshine and occasional rain showers, especially during the winter months.
- Races and Population: Honolulu has a diverse population with a mix of different races and cultures. The city has a significant Asian and Pacific Islander influence.
- Education: Honolulu offers various educational opportunities, including schools, colleges, and universities. The city is home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
- Cost of Living: Honolulu's cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing costs. Be prepared for higher prices for accommodation and daily essentials.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: While Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii, the nearest significant mainland city is Los Angeles, which is about a 5-hour flight away. There are no other major cities nearby.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, diverse culture, and a laid-back lifestyle.
- Cons: High cost of living, isolation from mainland cities, and potential traffic congestion.
Interview Questions
