University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan Program in Internal Medicine offers an esteemed residency program characterized by its commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education. Situated in Ann Arbor, one of the nation’s foremost hospitals, the residency provides a robust training environment with a diverse patient population and exceptional faculty mentorship.

Curriculum

The program features a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to develop a wide array of clinical competencies necessary for effective practice as a general internist, as well as for those pursuing subspecialty training. Residents will engage in a blend of inpatient and outpatient experiences over a three-year period, alongside structured learning activities. The curriculum includes rigorous training in ambulatory care, inpatient care, clinical simulation, and a focus on patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.

The residency spans various rotations, including general internal medicine services at both the University of Michigan Hospital and the Veteran Affairs Hospital, intensive care units, and subspecialty rotations encompassing cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology, among others. This structure is aimed at enhancing clinical decision-making skills while providing exposure to complex medical cases.

Rotations

Residents can expect to participate in 7-7.5 months of inpatient rotations during their first year, learning through hands-on patient care and acquiring responsibilities progressively as they advance through their training. The program's emphasis on continuity of care is reflected in the residents' dedicated time in outpatient clinics, where they build patient panels and gain longitudinal experience in managing chronic illnesses.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the program, with each resident required to complete a scholarly project during their training. This can be in clinical or basic sciences and may culminate in presentations at the Annual Research Symposium. Many residents secure research grants and contribute to publications in respected journals, further enhancing their academic careers.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the residency at Michigan is the diverse training options available, including specialized programs such as the Primary Care Program and the Physician Scientist Training Program. Residents can also elect to participate in the Community of Medical Educators in Training (CoMET), which focuses on enhancing teaching skills and curricular development.

Training Sites

The residency training occurs at several high-volume and reputable institutions, including the Michigan Medicine complex, the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, and various community health centers. This extensive network exposes residents to various healthcare settings, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet patient needs across multiple environments.

Resident Life and Wellness

The program is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that emphasizes resident well-being. There are various initiatives dedicated to resident wellness, including access to mental health resources, social events, and mentoring opportunities that help to create a balanced professional and personal life for trainees.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants to the residency should have completed their medical education and passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. The program is considered highly competitive, with a holistic review process not emphasizing cutoffs for test scores but rather the entirety of the applicant's background. The residency supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates.

Competitiveness

The University of Michigan’s Internal Medicine residency program is recognized as highly competitive and is known for its comprehensive training and supportive learning environment. It prides itself on fostering diversity within its ranks and actively seeks candidates from various backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG communities.

Visa Support

The program provides J-1 visa sponsorship for international applicants and actively supports globally diverse candidates in their pursuit of residency training.

Diversity and Inclusion

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core principle of the residency program. Various initiatives and committees within the program work to promote an inclusive environment that respects and acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of residents and patients alike.