University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine (Tulsa) Program

Residents in the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa School of Community Medicine's Emergency Medicine program receive comprehensive training that emphasizes population-based healthcare management, equipping them with necessary skills for both urban and rural settings. This program is committed to providing exemplary medical training through direct involvement with leading hospitals, including Hillcrest Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, and Ascension St. John Medical Center, thus ensuring a diverse clinical exposure.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the Emergency Medicine residency is structured to encompass both clinical and didactic components. Clinical training occurs primarily at Hillcrest Medical Center, with additional rotations at St. John's and Saint Francis hospitals to enhance the learning experience and provide exposure to a vast array of cases.

Residents benefit from a longitudinal training model that includes shifts interspersed throughout the year in rural settings and a dedicated pediatric emergency department at the OU Medical Center. The educational format promotes hands-on learning through cadaver labs, simulation labs, and procedural workshops.

PGY1 Curriculum

The first postgraduate year (PGY1) focuses on building foundational skills in Emergency Medicine, commencing with a month-long orientation that includes lectures and workshops. This first year consists of approximately six and a half months in the Emergency Department and rotations that cover Trauma, Anesthesia, Obstetrics, and more, fostering a well-rounded skill set. Special emphasis is placed on procedural competency and clinical judgment, enhancing the resident's ability to perform under pressure.

PGY2 and PGY3 Curriculum

The subsequent years (PGY2 and PGY3) build upon the skills developed in the first year, with increased responsibility and independence in clinical duties. During PGY2, residents spend a significant amount of time in emergency departments, further refining their clinical acumen through practical experiences and rotations in critical care units, while PGY3 residents assume leadership roles, teaching junior residents and medical students.

Training Facilities

Residents rotate at three major training hospitals in Tulsa, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience across varied patient populations:

• Hillcrest Medical Center: A primary teaching site, it hosts an annual ED volume of approximately 55,000-60,000 and provides a high-acuity environment conducive to developing advanced clinical skills.
• St. Francis Hospital: With an annual ED volume of 75,000-80,000, this facility is a notable pediatric and trauma center, contributing significantly to hands-on training experiences for residents.
• Ascension St. John Medical Center: This facility, with similar annual ED volumes, offers an additional layer of training in trauma management and emergency medicine.

Research Opportunities

The program provides numerous opportunities for residents to engage in research, encouraging them to collaborate with faculty on various investigations that impact emergency medicine practice. Residents are supported in their scholarly activities, which can enhance their educational experience and prepare them for academic or clinical leadership roles post-residency.

Visa Support

The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa School of Community Medicine offers sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates. This support enables qualified candidates from outside the United States to participate in the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Emergency Medicine program is competitive; candidates are encouraged to demonstrate clinical excellence, strong letters of recommendation, and relevant experiences. Applicants must generally be graduates of medical school within a specific timeframe, and there could be limitations on the number of failed USMLE or COMLEX attempts. The program is known to be friendly to applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds, welcoming diverse candidates to contribute to the learning environment.

Salary and Benefits

The benefit structure for residents is well-organized, offering competitive salaries, insurance coverage, vacation days, and resources for conference attendance. Vacation policies include 15 weekdays of annual leave, providing residents with a work-life balance important for their overall wellness during residency training.

Wellness and Resident Life

Recognizing the challenges associated with residency, the program emphasizes wellness initiatives. These include structured group events and access to resources that promote mental and physical well-being. A dedicated wellness curriculum enhances the supportive residency culture, aiming to cultivate resilience among residents.