University of Tennessee Program

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Internal Medicine Residency Program in Memphis is dedicated to training future internists who excel in compassionate care. This program offers a robust and innovative educational experience highlighted by its comprehensive curriculum, diverse training sites, and active research opportunities.

Training Environment

The program operates across three major hospitals: Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and the Memphis VA Medical Center. This triad of hospitals exposes residents to high-acuity patients and a wide variety of internal medicine cases.

Regional One Health serves as the only Level 1 trauma center in the region, catering to underserved populations with a variety of specialized medical services. Baptist Memorial Health Care is known for its extensive surgery and transplant services. The Memphis VA Medical Center is integral to providing quality healthcare to veterans from a broad geographic area.

Curriculum Overview

The residency utilizes a unique 3+1 block schedule format, allowing residents to engage deeply with their duties during three-week inpatient blocks followed by a one-week ambulatory block. This structured approach reduces the fragmentation of time and enhances learning opportunities efficiently.

During inpatient rotations, residents handle ward duties, ICU responsibilities, and may participate in elective services. The ambulatory week includes continuity clinics and specialty clinics, emphasizing outpatient care and preventive medicine, which is vital in today’s healthcare landscape.

Didactic Education

Educational seminars are a cornerstone of the program. Interns attend weekly conferences tailored to hospital medicine essentials, while PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents benefit from senior-level discussions that cover board-relevant topics. A business lunch series is also organized to provide practical information on essential skills for career advancement in medicine.

Research Opportunities

UTHSC stands out with its strong research focus, ranking in the top 20% of U.S. institutions for NIH funding in the realm of internal medicine. Every resident must complete a scholarly activity prior to graduation, which can encompass case reports, clinical projects, and research presentations.

Application Requirements

Applications must go through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and include a complete set of documents such as a CV, medical school transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and letters of recommendation. Notably, a passing USMLE Step 1 score is required at the time of application, while passing Step 2 CK must be submitted before the ranking process. The program generally does not sponsor J-1 or H visas, favoring applicants with valid ECFMG certificates by the February 15 deadline.

Resident Life and Support

To foster resident wellness, the program has established a Resident Wellness Committee dedicated to enhancing daily resident experiences. This includes providing resources for managing stress, academic challenges, and personal health. Opportunities for community-building through social events and support initiatives greatly contribute to a positive residency environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Residents receive competitive salaries and generous benefits, which include access to health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as annual leave, sick leave, and specific provisions for educational and family-related leave. Support for research-related expenses is available, enabling residents to focus on academic enrichment and scholarly activities.

Visa Support

This residency program participates in limited visa sponsorship, as it does not routinely support J-1 or H visas, which applicants need to keep in mind when applying.

Competitiveness

The program seeks highly qualified individuals, and while it is competitive, it welcomes applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs). However, candidates from IMG backgrounds should meet specific criteria regarding exam scores and graduation timelines to be favorably considered.