University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

Overview of the University of Pennsylvania Health System Program in Internal Medicine

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Penn Medicine provides an exceptional training experience steeped in a legacy of academic and clinical excellence. The program emphasizes a commitment to outstanding patient care while actively promoting diversity and inclusion within its cohorts. The curriculum is structured around a robust 6+2 block scheduling system, which organizes the residency into blocks of inpatient and outpatient rotations, allowing residents to gain comprehensive experience across various settings. The commitment to supportive mentorship and individual educational goals further enhances the training environment.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is delivered through a 6+2 block schedule, where residents spend six weeks on inpatient services followed by two weeks in ambulatory care settings, known as Interactive Learning Modules (ILMs). This model promotes a balanced training experience by allocating dedicated time for outpatient responsibilities. Each year incorporates critical components such as morning teaching, midday conferences, and a night curriculum centered on clinical reasoning and quality improvement topics.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Training primarily takes place at three clinical sites within a one-mile radius:

• The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
• Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC)
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC)

Residents engage in direct patient care within diverse clinical teams and have opportunities for longitudinal outpatient experiences in integrated faculty-resident practices throughout the 3-year program. In addition to core rotations, residents can select elective opportunities tailored to their interests.

Research Opportunities

Every resident is required to complete a scholarly project during their training. The program supports a variety of research interests, providing access to mentorship and resources for presenting at national conferences. Trainees may engage in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, or other scholarly activities aligned with their career objectives.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The program prioritizes diversity and actively seeks to foster an inclusive environment that promotes cultural competence. Special attention is given to the recruitment of trainees from underrepresented backgrounds and those with varying perspectives, enhancing the overall educational experience and better preparing residents for a multicultural patient population.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the program are expected to demonstrate strong academic qualifications, teamwork, and professionalism. The program requires the following for application:

• Dean’s Letter (MSPE)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Medical school transcript
• Personal statement
• USMLE Step 1 passing score
• Medical school graduation date of 2023 or later

The program is competitive, welcoming graduates from various backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs. It sponsors H-1B and J-1 visas for residents requiring work authorization.

Mentorship and Wellness Support

The mentorship framework is designed to assist residents throughout their training. Each new intern is paired with a Program Mentor who provides guidance on clinical development, wellness, fellowship applications, and career planning. The program's wellness initiatives support resident resilience and include resources such as counseling and organized social events.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Several unique features distinguish the residency program, including multiple advanced tracks for specialized training, such as:

• Medical Education Leadership Track
• Global Health Equities Track
• Healthcare Leadership in Quality Track

These tracks offer tailored education and opportunities for leadership roles in various healthcare environments.