University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Penn-CHOP Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Program offers a comprehensive four-year residency designed for aspiring Med-Peds physicians. The program emphasizes a blend of rigorous academic training, diverse clinical experiences, and a commitment to leadership in patient care, education, and research. Residents benefit from training at top-tier institutions such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which are known for their excellence in both general and specialized medical care.

Curriculum Overview

The integrated curriculum promotes mastery of core clinical skills in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics while allowing for tailored career development to meet the individual goals of each resident. Clinical exposure to a range of patient populations, including vulnerable groups, is a key feature of the program, enhancing the residents’ ability to provide compassionate, culturally competent care. Research opportunities are also available, covering various fields including health policy, global health, and quality improvement.

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Rotations and Training Sites

The residency follows an X+Y schedule, with six weeks spent in inpatient care followed by two weeks in outpatient settings, allowing for balanced exposure to both domains. Rotations occur in multiple environments including:

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): A leading pediatric care center.
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP): A renowned tertiary care facility.
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: Provides acute care for elderly patients.

This structured rotation design ensures that residents achieve proficiency in both pediatrics and internal medicine, thereby delivering comprehensive care across age groups.

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Research and Global Health Opportunities

Research is encouraged, with residents expected to engage in initiatives that promote quality improvement and advocacy in various medical domains. Through the Global Health Equities Track, residents can pursue fully funded global health experiences, facilitating exposure to healthcare systems beyond the United States, notably in locations like Botswana and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to rotate with the Indian Health Service, further diversifying their clinical experiences.

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Community Involvement and Mentorship

The program promotes a strong sense of community through established mentoring frameworks. Each resident is paired with a Med-Peds mentor family, providing personal and professional support throughout their training. Mentorship is reinforced through scheduled meetings, which facilitate career planning, exploration of research interests, and clinical acumen.

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Application Requirements

Applicants to the Penn-CHOP Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Program are expected to meet specific criteria:

• Graduation from a U.S. or Canadian medical school or completion of one year of postgraduate training in a U.S. hospital.
• Successful completion of USMLE or COMLEX Part I and a passing grade on Step II before beginning residency.
• Submission of letters of recommendation, with a Dean's letter required.
• COVID-19 vaccination is mandated for all workforce members.

Up to six positions are available for each intern class, making the program competitive yet with a commitment to diversity.

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Competitiveness and Visa Support

The program is noted for being highly competitive, attracting candidates from both allopathic and osteopathic backgrounds, as well as international medical graduates. For international applicants, the program supports visa sponsorship, particularly for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating the participation of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.

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Resident Wellness and Unique Features

The Penn-CHOP residency prioritizes resident wellness with initiatives that include wellness half-days and various community events aimed at promoting mental health and resilience. These efforts contribute to a cohesive and supportive residency environment, allowing residents to thrive both personally and professionally.

Moreover, the program distinguishes itself through its unique focus on transitions of care for patients with chronic illnesses, ensuring that residents are well-prepared to advocate for their patients throughout their medical journeys.

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Overall, the Penn-CHOP Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Program embodies an exceptional commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians.

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