University of Hawaii Program

Overview of Medical Residency Programs at University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii offers a range of residency and fellowship programs across multiple specialties, focusing on providing high-quality training in a diverse and culturally rich environment. This overview details various aspects related to the curriculum, rotations, unique features of each program, and other essential information relevant to prospective applicants.

Orthopaedic Residency

The Orthopaedic Residency Program at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited five-year training program that aims to prepare orthopaedic surgeons with comprehensive clinical and operative skills.

Structure and Curriculum

• Categorical Positions: The program offers 2 categorical positions annually with two entry tracks: a traditional 5-year Track and a 6-year Research Track that includes a research year between PGY-2 and PGY-3.
• Rotations: Training is primarily conducted at The Queen’s Medical Center, the only Level I trauma center in Hawaii, as well as affiliated community hospitals. Curriculum emphasizes operative experience from the first year, with increasing autonomy and responsibility throughout the residency.
• Conferences and Skills Training: Regular didactic sessions, grand rounds, morbidity and mortality discussions, and skills training modules are incorporated into the weekly schedule. Residents are expected to attend hands-on workshops and courses to enhance their surgical skills.

Application Requirements

• Competitive Application: The program accepts about 320-360 applications each year for the two positions. A comprehensive review of applications is conducted, taking into account the entire application package, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores.
• Visa Support: The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs).

Addiction Medicine Fellowship

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship is a one-year program designed for those who hold primary certification from any American Board of Medical Specialty (ABMS).

Training Experience

• Diverse Clinical Settings: Trainees participate in community-based care, including outpatient and inpatient settings, providing treatment across a diverse population.
• Research and Advocacy: The fellowship emphasizes academic growth with opportunities to involve in public policy, research, and community service. Fellows also engage in the Annual Hawai’i Addiction Conference.

Application Process

• Fellows must apply through ERAS, providing their medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
• Visa Support: Only J-1 visas are sponsored for non-U.S. citizens.

Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship

This ACGME-accredited fellowship offers comprehensive training in cardiovascular disease with a focus on both clinical and didactic education.

Program Highlights

• Training Sites: The fellowship primarily occurs at The Queen’s Medical Center, the largest tertiary care center in Hawaii. Rotations cover a breadth of topics including inpatient cardiology, critical care, cath lab experience, and outpatient cardiology settings.
• Research Opportunities: Trainees are expected to become involved in research, culminating in scholarly presentations.

Family Medicine Residency

The University of Hawaii Family Medicine Residency is a community-based 7-7-7 program with training conducted mainly at Pali Momi Medical Center.

Curriculum and Training

• Unique Patient Care Experience: Residents engage with diverse populations, focusing on maternal-child health, geriatrics, and community outreach.
• Integrated Care: A unique continuity clinic serves as the home base for comprehensive care, integrating pharmacy and behavioral health.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to work with underserved populations are emphasized.

Internal Medicine Residency

The Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Hawaii is noted for its focus on General Internal Medicine and Ambulatory Care.

Rotation Structure

• Inpatient and Outpatient training: The program covers multiple hospitals with a significant emphasis on continuity of care for patients.
• Research and Scholarly Activity: Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, with funding available.

Application Details

• Eligibility Requirements: A competitive application process requires documentation of USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, and previous academic performance.
• Visa Sponsorship: The program sponsors only J-1 visas.

Pediatric Residency

This program focuses on delivering high-quality pediatric care at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Training Environment

• Diverse Clinical Exposure: Residents experience a range of pediatric cases, including those requiring specialized care from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Hands-on Learning: Emphasis on primary care and exposure to various subspecialties, including pediatrics emergency and neonatal care.

Additional Programs

• Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency, Pathology Residency, and more, all of which share common themes of strong community involvement, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice.

Competitive Nature and Application Requirements

The programs are highly competitive, focusing on a holistic application review process. Specific requirements such as a maximum number of failed STEP attempts or particular graduation years are generally not stated, but notable qualifications will enhance applicants' chances.

Visa Support and International Medical Graduates

The residency programs at the University of Hawaii accept international medical graduates and sponsor J-1 visas exclusively, which is advantageous for those looking to gain experience in the U.S. medical system.

Unique Aspects of the Programs

The training environment emphasized by all programs is characterized by altruism, community service, and cultural competency, preparing residents and fellows to address health disparities in Hawaii and the Pacific region. Each program uniquely integrates community health with clinical training, making them attractive choices for prospective residents and fellows.