Jul 1, 2013
University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Memphis Program
Overview
The Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Memphis offers an ACGME-accredited three-year residency program designed to prepare residents for a career in emergency medicine. The residency prides itself on cultivating a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal and professional development in a collaborative environment.
The program accepts seven residents per year, totaling 23 residents during any given academic year. This relatively small class size fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows for more personalized mentoring from faculty and peers. Across the residency, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and shared experiences, enhancing both the educational and social aspects of residency life 1.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum, structured over three years, encompasses a diverse range of clinical experiences. Residents operate primarily at four major training sites: Methodist University Hospital (MUH), Regional One Health (ROH), Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (LBCH), and Baptist Memorial Hospital (BMH). These facilities cater to a large and varied patient population, providing a comprehensive exposure to emergency medicine. In addition to providing a strong clinical foundation, the program also emphasizes scholarly activities, encouraging residents to engage in research and pursue areas of personal interest 1.
Clinical Rotations
The residency includes core rotations in various subspecialties, covering trauma, pediatrics, critical care, and toxicology. Throughout these rotations, residents develop the essential skills needed to handle a vast array of emergencies, from critical care sessions to outpatient evaluations. Electives are also available, enhancing residents' exposure to niche areas within emergency medicine, thus enriching their learning experience and preparing them for future autonomy in practice 7.
Research Opportunities
Engagement in research is a key component of the residency. All residents are required to complete scholarly activities during their tenure. The program provides a streamlined framework to facilitate research endeavors, supported by a dedicated faculty research coordinator. This structure aims to nurture residents' abilities in critical reading and evaluation of research literature while offering opportunities for publication and presentation 8.
Resident Life and Community
The resident community emphasizes a work-life balance with multiple social events throughout the year. Activities such as trivia nights, holiday celebrations, and informal gatherings foster relationships among colleagues, enriching both the personal and professional aspects of residency. As of the latest available data, the demographic diversity among residents reflects a blend of backgrounds, with 48% owning homes, 39% married, and 22% having children 1.
Benefits and Support
Residents enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, health insurance (including dental and vision), life insurance, and retirement options. Each resident also receives support for educational endeavors, exam preparation, and access to recreational facilities. Generous leave policies allow up to three weeks of vacation or annual leave, sick leave, parental leave, and educational leave for conferences and seminars 9. Furthermore, a unique advantage of the program is its support for international medical graduates (IMGs), ensuring access to the necessary resources for eligibility for unrestricted licensures 8.
Visa Support
The program is DO/IMG-friendly and offers visa sponsorship options to qualified international applicants. The program primarily supports J-1 visas, providing international medical graduates with the opportunity to train in a robust educational environment while meeting the requirements for U.S. licensure 10.
Application Requirements
Potential applicants must submit a complete ERAS application. The application process necessitates an official medical school transcript, two letters of recommendation (one of which should be a CORD Standardized Letter of Evaluation), and USMLE scores. Notably, candidates must demonstrate eligibility for an unrestricted Tennessee medical license following the completion of the first year of training, with a passing score on the USMLE Step 3 exam 6.
Why Choose Memphis?
Located in the vibrant city of Memphis, residents benefit from a rich cultural backdrop and a wide array of recreational activities. The city is not only recognized for its music history but also serves as a significant healthcare hub in the Mid-South, enabling residents to gain experience in various specialties and settings, enhancing their training further 6.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
8, 7, 8 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 14, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:23% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.4X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 21 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 21 days [1]
First Year Salary: $63,300 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:1 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
30%
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
13%
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
4%
More than 1 school has this rank*
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
No 2026 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
No data available for USMLE
STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
1 Publication (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
1 Publication (5 yr)
The Race Against Sepsis: Are Helicopters Always Necessary? A Single-Center Analysis at a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital.
Location
Memphis, TN [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Memphis, TN
Crime Rate and Safety
Memphis has a high crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Fun Activities
Memphis is known for its rich music history, delicious barbecue, and vibrant culture. Residents can enjoy visiting Graceland, Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and numerous live music venues.
Climate
Memphis experiences hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
Races and Population
Memphis has a diverse population with a significant African American community. It is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds.
Education
Memphis is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Memphis is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable city to reside in.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Nashville, TN is approximately a 3-hour drive from Memphis. Nashville is known for its music scene, entertainment industry, and vibrant downtown area.
Pros
- Rich music culture
- affordable cost of living
- diverse population.
Cons
- High crime rate in certain areas
- hot and humid summers.
FAQ
Ready to Find Your Ideal Residency Program?
Get a personalized, data-driven program list built around your scores, experiences, and visa needs.
Nearby programs
Emergency medicine Programs Near Memphis, TN
Other specialties near Memphis, TN
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1104700196
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/51a99b28-c4c2-928b-3a75-3943aac6e6d2
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US4748000
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr