University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine Program

Residents in the Internal Medicine program at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine are provided with a robust clinical experience as part of their training. They are given ample time for patient care, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment characterized by easy access to attending physicians and numerous opportunities for research, education, and teaching. The training sites are diverse, enabling residents to treat a variety of patient populations. These include the Renown Health education partner hospital, the Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, and outpatient resident continuity clinics. Additionally, the program incorporates rural rotations in Elko, Nevada, allowing residents to experience the unique challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in less accessible areas. With over 20 dedicated faculty members and a network of more than 100 community faculty, the program ensures a vast breadth of resources and expertise, accommodating a well-rounded exposure to the entire spectrum of internal medicine, from primary care to specialized tertiary care.1

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around several key components, including inpatient and ambulatory medicine. Inpatient teams typically consist of an attending physician, one supervising resident, two interns, and students, with interns managing an average of six to eight patients. Intensifying care experiences occur in closed units at either Renown Regional Medical Center or the Ioannis Lougaris VA Medical Center. Intensive care unit (ICU) teams include a supervising senior resident, two interns, students, and a critical care attending, providing hands-on management of patient care under supervision. Didactic sessions include morning reports and an Academic Half Day, involving formal, evidence-based lectures that cover the entirety of the internal medicine curriculum over a three-year cycle.6

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral aspect of the residency, with each resident engaging in at least one scholarly project before graduation. The program fosters a collaborative environment for both basic science research and clinically oriented studies. Residents have opportunities to showcase their work at regional and national conferences, as well as to publish in peer-reviewed journals. The university is classified as an R1 institution, emphasizing its strong research framework. Support is provided through dedicated research time within continuity clinic rotations as well as availability of research electives for senior residents.8

Training Sites

The primary training sites for residents are Renown Health, the largest not-for-profit hospital in northern Nevada, and the Ioannis A. Lougaris VA Medical Center, which provides a comprehensive training experience due to its extensive patient base and specialized care teams. The close proximity of these facilities simplifies logistical challenges for residents, optimizing their learning and clinical experiences.2

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 visas typically conducive to the non-immigrant status required for residency training.4

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applications to the Internal Medicine program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), with no acceptance of documents submitted via mail, email, or fax. The program does not specify minimum USMLE or COMLEX scores but suggests that scores of 200 or greater are competitive. The program is somewhat competitive, catering to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. Previous U.S. residency training requires a Program Director's Letter for application.3

Salary and Benefits

The program provides a variety of benefits, including vacation days, paid sick leave, and education leave. Additional offerings include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan with a university match. Unique to Nevada, there are no state income taxes, enhancing the overall financial attractiveness of the residency position for residents.5