Jan 29, 1998
University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program
Overview
UTMB's Internal Medicine Residency Program is designed to cultivate a diverse and intellectually curious cohort of physicians, focusing on patient-centered care within a supportive educational environment. The program emphasizes high-quality and evidence-based medical practice, ensuring that residents receive an exceptional clinical training experience.
Residents in the program experience a variety of clinical rotations that prepare them for a range of career pathways, including academic medicine, subspecialty fellowships, hospitalist roles, and general primary care. The primary training site is Jennie Sealy Hospital, a well-equipped tertiary care center that provides ample learning opportunities. Additionally, residents will participate in rotations at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hospital, which features 110 beds and adds a unique dimension to their clinical education.
UTMB offers several specialized tracks within the residency, including the Aerospace Medicine combined specialty training in partnership with NASA, making it the only program of its kind in the United States. Other options include a community medicine track, the ABIM research pathway, a combined internal medicine-ophthalmology program, and a preliminary medicine year.
The program encourages residents to actively engage in academic activities, supporting attendance at regional and national meetings. This is beneficial not only for networking but also for securing competitive fellowship positions. Many graduates of the program advance to become leaders in academic institutions and community healthcare settings.
Training at UTMB also offers the unique advantage of living in Galveston, Texas, where residents can enjoy a coastal lifestyle featuring relaxing beaches, diverse dining options, and rich cultural activities. This vibrant setting complements the rigorous training, providing a well-rounded residency experience.
The program values diversity in both its training environment and patient population, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all residents can thrive. The faculty members are noted for their engagement and support, assisting residents in navigating their training and future career choices.
Research Opportunities
Research plays a significant role in the residency program. Residents are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and present their findings at conferences. Access to a variety of research opportunities allows residents to diversify their skills and contribute to advancements in the field of internal medicine.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
UTMB's Internal Medicine Residency Program is competitive and values a comprehensive application review process. Specific requirements may include the year of graduation from medical school and a maximum number of failed STEP exams. The program is generally friendly towards candidates from Osteopathic (DO) backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), providing a welcoming environment for a diverse applicant pool.
Visa Sponsorship and Support
The program supports various visa types for international applicants, including J-1 and H-1B visas. This support aims to facilitate the participation of qualified international candidates in the residency program, reflecting UTMB’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Overall, the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UTMB stands out with its rich educational experience, variety of clinical training opportunities, supportive faculty, and the added benefit of residing in a vibrant community.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
38, 29, 28 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 23, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:61% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.8X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 5 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 22 days [1]
First Year Salary: $66,405 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 14 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 236–265 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:3 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
22%
University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine
17%
University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
8%
Kansas City University
4%
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
No rotation duration data available.
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
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]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
A Kite Without a String.
Beyond Hospital Readmissions: A Multifaceted Insulin-Centered Diabetes Education Approach Impacts Contemporary Acute Care Outcomes and Prolongs Home Time.
Location
Galveston, TX [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 Galveston, TX
Crime Rate and Safety
Galveston has a moderate crime rate. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, petty theft and property crime can occur.
Fun Activities
Living in Galveston offers access to beautiful beaches, water activities, historic sites, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and annual Mardi Gras celebration.
Climate
Galveston experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area is prone to hurricanes due to its location on the Gulf Coast.
Races and Population
Galveston has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere.
Education
Galveston offers educational opportunities through schools like the University of Texas Medical Branch, providing a strong academic environment for residents and families.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Galveston is lower than in larger Texas cities like Houston. Housing is affordable, but the cost of insurance may be higher due to the city's proximity to the coast.
Proximity to Larger Cities
Galveston is located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, which can be reached by car in about an hour's drive. Houston offers a wider range of amenities, entertainment options, and cultural experiences.
Pros
- Beautiful beaches
- rich history
- diverse cultural scene
- lower cost of living compared to some other Texas cities.
Cons
- Proximity to hurricane-prone areas
- moderate crime rate
- potential higher insurance costs.
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
Internal medicine Programs Near Galveston, TX
Other specialties near Galveston, TX
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1404821421
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/803a426d-50e3-67d1-e3d8-1e7ca8a51d53
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=050XX00US48167
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