University of Hawaii Program

Overview of the University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program

The University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program (UHIMRP) is a premier training opportunity situated in Honolulu, Hawaii, recognized for its commitment to exceptional patient care and the cultivation of a supportive learning atmosphere. Established in 1975, this program encompasses a robust curriculum designed to develop skilled Internal Medicine specialists who are prepared to serve diverse patient populations across varied healthcare settings.

Recognizing the unique cultural fabric of Hawaii, the residency program integrates principles of teamwork, collegiality, and professionalism within its training approach. The program has received a commend both in accreditation status and in meeting the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) program requirements without citations.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes ambulatory care while ensuring residents acquire a strong foundation in general internal medicine throughout three years of training. The residents' educational experiences include:

• General Internal Medicine and Subspecialty Training: Involves 16 weeks at Queen Emma Clinic (QEC) and 8 weeks at the VA Medical Center.
• Inpatient Training: Covers 24 weeks during the PGY-1 year, 16 weeks during the PGY-2 year, and another 16 weeks in the PGY-3 year, primarily at the Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) and Kuakini Medical Center (KMC).
• Continued Care Clinics: Involves three years of personal continuity clinical experience at various locations including QEC, Queen's University Medical Group, and other private practices.

Moreover, subspecialty focused training occurs in PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, covering rotations in cardiology, nephrology, neurology, geriatrics, critical care, and oncology, further supplemented by electives that residents can pursue in Hawaii and the Pacific Rim.

Rotation Schedule

The training encompasses rotations at multiple sites, allowing exposure to different healthcare environments:

• Queen's Medical Center: The state's leading tertiary care facility and primary training site, dealing with various significant medical conditions.
• Kuakini Medical Center: Offers geriatric training and inpatient medicine experiences.
• Continuity Clinics: Residents participate in ongoing patient care with dedicated teams at locations such as Queen Emma Clinics and Pearl City Medical Associates.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages active engagement in research and scholarly activities. Faculty are engaged in various research projects, and categorical residents are supported to complete their own scholarly project during training. The residency provides funds to enhance research efforts, and annual awards are allocated to recognize exceptional research contributions.

Conferences and Educational Activities

Residents participate in various conferences that form an integral part of their education. Notable among these are:

• Scholarly Activities Sessions: Held every Tuesday, these sessions include Grand Rounds and other resident-focused educational offerings.
• Journal Clubs and Case Review Meetings: Foster discussion and learning regarding critical medical cases and evolving medical knowledge.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the residency program, candidates are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and provide a range of documents including letters of recommendation, medical transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The program is both DO and IMG friendly, emphasizing a holistic review of applications.

Visa Sponsorship

The University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency Program supports J-1 visa sponsorship. However, there are no exceptions to this policy, and the program does not sponsor H-1 visas. All applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa, and international medical graduates must provide valid documentation from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) upon application submission.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Given the high volume of applications, the residency program is considered competitive. It is suggested that applicants have passing scores on required examinations with scores above 200 being favored. The program has no specific graduation year cut-off but evaluates recent clinical experience and training rigorously.

Diversity and Cultural Competency

The residency embraces Hawaii's rich diversity, striving to provide an environment that is inclusive and culturally aware. The unique patient demographic enriches the residents’ training experience, promoting cultural humility in patient care and interactions.