University of Kansas (Wichita) Program

The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program designed to prepare well-rounded physicians equipped for a diverse range of careers in medicine. This residency is a fully accredited ACGME program extending over three years in a categorical format, while providing an additional one-year preliminary medicine training option. A combined four-year Medicine-Pediatrics training program is also available.

The residency program adopts a unique "4+1" scheduling model, which effectively separates inpatient and outpatient rotations. This allows residents to dedicate their full attention to each clinical rotation's learning experience, followed by a focused week in an ambulatory clinic. Residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita engage in a rich mix of clinical experiences, simulations, didactics, and scholarly activities, ultimately promoting a robust learning trajectory throughout their time in residency.

Training Sites

Residents gain exposure to three major hospital systems which include:

• Wesley Medical Center: A 760-bed facility with notable services including the largest ER in Kansas, along with specialized pediatric and neonatal care.
• Ascension Via Christi Hospitals: This healthcare system provides extensive clinical experience with a large annual admission and surgery volume.
• Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center: This center offers residents the opportunity to care for a unique patient population, experiencing both outpatient and inpatient settings.

This exposure to multiple clinical environments ensures a wide-ranging experience, preparing residents for various career pathways, whether in primary care or subspecialties.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to maximize clinical exposure over the course of residency:

PGY1: Involves 4-5 months of inpatient general medicine, 1 month of night float, and rotations in critical care, geriatrics, cardiology, and electives.

PGY2: Includes supervising roles, elective rotations, and exposure to emergency medicine and HIV.

PGY3: Focuses on supervisory responsibilities in inpatient care, elective rotations, and experiences in critical care and ambulatory clinic care every fifth week.

This structured curriculum is incredibly beneficial in attaining a comprehensive understanding of Internal Medicine.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in various research activities, gaining support to participate in scholarly projects aimed at enhancing their competitive edge for fellowship training post-residency.1

Resident Clinic

The KU Wichita Center for Internal Medicine operates as the resident clinic, allowing residents to rotate through outpatient experiences in teams, cultivating a group practice environment. This structure aids in developing individualized clinical skills.

Application Process

The application procedure for the Internal Medicine Residency Program is highly competitive. Applicants must apply via the ERAS system, and international medical graduates can only apply under a J1 visa. Importantly, applicants are recommended to have completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK before interviews can be reviewed, preferably by November.

The program has no specific minimum USMLE score requirement; however, given that 3% of over 4,000 applications receive interview invites, achieving a strong score is crucial for consideration.1

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

This program is designed to be competitive, welcoming both DO and IMG applicants. It provides a robust clinical training environment supplemented with unique opportunities such as hands-on procedure training during resident clinic weeks, focused learning activities, and a supportive collaborative atmosphere amongst faculty and peers.

Resident Support System

Residents benefit from an environment encouraging supportive relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners, emphasizing the core principles of integrity, discipline, and compassion. Additionally, the program's commitment to wellness ensures that residents are not only trained as physicians but are also guided through their journey in a way that promotes personal and professional satisfaction.