University of Mississippi Medical Center Program

The Medicine/Pediatrics (Med/Peds) residency program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is designed to provide combined training in both internal medicine and pediatrics. This program offers a unique opportunity for residents to excel in both adult and pediatric clinical environments, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for careers in various fields, including primary care and subspecialties.

For over 20 years, the Med/Peds program has prioritized individualized, cohesive training experiences based on the unique career plans and personal goals of each resident, enabling them to develop a diverse set of skills needed to manage the complexities of patient care.

Curriculum

The curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to training, blending experiences across both internal medicine and pediatrics. Residents at UMMC split their time evenly between both departments, allowing for a diverse educational experience that includes rotations in various subspecialties from Neonatology to Geriatrics. This dual training enables residents to develop competencies in managing a wide range of patient populations and presentations.

Rotations

Inpatient training occurs at University Hospital, a key tertiary care center in Mississippi, with the hospital housing 722 beds and providing a high volume of patient care. Residents also gain exposure at the Children's of Mississippi, the only children's hospital in the state, which offers over 150 hospital beds. The program emphasizes broad exposure to different areas of patient care and complex medical conditions through comprehensive clinical rotations.

Research Opportunities

The residency program encourages participation in research activities. Residents have access to a robust basic science and clinical research program, providing opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and collaborate with faculty on various projects.

Training Sites

Additional training occurs at the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery VA Medical Center, allowing for diverse clinical rotations and experiences. This integration offers residents a chance to work closely with veterans and provide critical care to this population along with the extensive support from faculty and training staff.

Visas and International Medical Graduates

The program is host to international medical graduates and offers sponsorship for J-1 visas exclusively. They do not have a waiver for other visa types, thus applicants must ensure they have the appropriate documentation required for residency and must hold a current ECFMG certificate if applicable.

Competitiveness

The Med/Peds residency program is known to be competitive, usually accepting five residents each year. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those applying as international medical graduates. While the program evaluates candidates based on multiple criteria, including academic records and interviews, there is no fixed cutoff score for USMLE examinations. Nevertheless, applications must delineate a strong interest in integrated care across both specialties.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet several requirements for admission, including submission of a complete application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application package needs medical school transcripts, a Dean's letter, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and USMLE Step scores.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Residents at UMMC not only benefit from excellent educational resources but also from a supportive community and leadership that emphasizes the well-being of both residents and their families. This holistic approach is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and fosters an environment conducive to both personal and professional development.

Current Residents and Alumni

The program prides itself on a diverse group of residents who are achieving great success, with alumni pursuing various careers in internal medicine and pediatrics, including fellowships, academic positions, and primary care practice across the state and nationwide.