University of Texas RGV (Knapp) Program

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Knapp Medical Center offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program that is built around its goal of transforming the healthcare landscape of the diverse Rio Grande Valley region. The program serves a community of approximately 1.5 million residents, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States, providing medical professionals with a rich and varied learning atmosphere.

The program prepares its residents to manage a broad spectrum of clinical cases, including those rarely seen elsewhere due to the proximity to the Mexico border. UTRGV takes pride in its dedicated faculty and staff who are passionate about both education and community service.

Curriculum Overview

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at UTRGV follows the curriculum established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), focusing on six core competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, and System-based Practice. The flexible, competency-based curriculum allows for an individualized educational experience that aligns with the career goals of each resident, preparing them to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care to a diverse patient population.

Core Rotations

Residents in the program experience core rotations across a variety of specialties, including Neurology, Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Hematology/Oncology, and Cardiology. Additionally, each resident is expected to partake in outpatient rotations, and electives may include disciplines like Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Dermatology, Radiology, and Procedures.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the residency program is the Knapp Medical Center, located in Weslaco, Texas. This facility supports the program’s clinical training; however, additional core rotation sites exist, including South Heart Clinic, Pulmonary and Sleep Center of the Valley, Texas Gastroenterology clinic, and others, enhancing the residents' clinical exposure and experience.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Scholarly activities and research are integral components of the UTRGV residency experience. Residents are introduced to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives during their intern boot camp, and they collaborate on projects that they will present at local, regional, or national conferences. Noteworthy examples of research engagement include POCUS training and applications in clinical practice, as well as opportunities for involvement in clinical trials and proposal writing for grants.

Community Engagement

The program promotes residents' involvement in community engagement activities, which include educational lectures on various health topics that are pertinent to local populations. Residents have participated in health-related lectures at local institutions, fostering a deeper connection with the community.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants interested in the UTRGV-Knapp Internal Medicine Residency must apply through ERAS. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program accepts applications from both U.S. and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), with J-1 visa sponsorship available. The program emphasizes the importance of academic performance, requiring passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2.

Competitiveness and Support

The UTRGV-Knapp program is considered friendly towards International Medical Graduates, as evidenced by acceptance rates and supportive community structures. The residency program does not impose a medical school graduation year cutoff but does prefer candidates who have graduated within the last five years to ensure that all residents have been sufficiently exposed to contemporary medical practices.

Benefits and Wellbeing

Residents at UTRGV enjoy several benefits, including competitive salaries, medical insurance, a comprehensive wellness package, and generous vacation and sick leave policies. In alignment with its commitment to resident welfare, the program conducts regular wellness initiatives and feedback sessions to enhance the training experience.

Unique Aspects

The geographical location of the Knapp Medical Center allows residents to gain insights from a diverse patient population. The program emphasizes the significance of understanding social determinants of health, particularly in a border community, and seeks to foster leaders who are adept in providing comprehensive care and addressing health disparities.