University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Program

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Internal Medicine Residency Program emphasizes individualized training and experiences to prepare residents for their future careers as clinicians, educators, and scholars. The program offers a broad clinical experience in outpatient primary care, inpatient hospital medicine, and various fellowships and research opportunities, tailoring the residency to meet the personal and professional goals of each resident.

The faculty, comprising the largest department at UI Health Care, is noted for its tradition of excellence in teaching, patient care, and research. The residents, hailed from around the globe, are drawn by the comprehensive training program, outstanding work environment, and future practice opportunities provided by their experiences at Iowa. The diverse patient population at Iowa's only academic medical center offers residents exposure to a wide range of challenging cases.

For applicants interested in the program, applications are accepted through ERAS from September 15 through December 31, with early application encouraged. The program occasionally has positions available for PGY-2 level categorical positions. It welcomes graduates from qualified medical schools in the U.S. or abroad, keeping in mind eligibility criteria that expect applicants to have hands-on clinical experience in the U.S. medical system, excluding observerships. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS exams must be passed on the first attempt.

The program supports J-1 visas and seeks applicants who have demonstrated their clinical skills through USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams for U.S. Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical School graduates and COMLEX exams for Osteopathic graduates. A minimum of three letters of recommendation, dean's letter, medical school transcript, personal statement, and an optional photograph are required components of the application.

Selected candidates will be invited for virtual interviews held from October through January. The interview day includes a comprehensive overview of the program, interviews with program directors and faculty, as well as interaction with current residents and a virtual tour of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The residency includes innovative educational experiences such as a dedicated teaching rotation, advanced training in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), quality and safety curriculum, and access to the qUIkCoach app for real-time feedback on a variety of clinical skills. Residents are immersed in scholarship, with opportunities for dedicated research time, presentations at conferences, and publications in journals. For those interested in a research-focused career, the program offers the Stimulating Access to Research during Residency (StARR) program and the Physician Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP).

With a mentorship system, flexibility in rotation, pathways, and distinction tracks, the program aims to prepare its residents for a variety of career paths, including fellowship, primary care, hospital medicine, health informatics, and post-graduate research positions. The success of its residents in securing fellowship positions and jobs across the country reflects the program's commitment to holistic training and career development.

In summary, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Internal Medicine Residency Program offers a rich and diverse training environment with personalized mentorship, innovative curricula, and a broad spectrum of clinical and research opportunities to prepare residents for a wide range of career paths in internal medicine.