UPMC Medical Education (Erie) Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive and structured training environment, equipping residents with essential skills for effective emergency medicine practice. This three-year, ACGME-accredited program operates at a fully accredited Level II trauma center, which boasts a modern facility comprising 36 emergency rooms and manages approximately 80,000 patient visits annually. The program emphasizes rigorous clinical training and progressive learning, preparing emergency medical residents to work competently in various environments including urban, rural, and academic settings 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum comprises diverse rotations aimed at fostering comprehensive emergency medicine skills. In the first year, residents engage in 7.5 months of Emergency Medicine, alongside rotations in Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesia, among others. The subsequent years build upon this foundation with continued emphasis on clinical exposure and specialized elective opportunities that enhance learning 3.

Year one includes:

• Emergency Medicine – 7.5 months
• Cardiology – 1 month
• Internal Medicine – 1 month
• MICU – 1 month
• Anesthesia – 0.5 month

Year two expands with:

• Emergency Medicine – 6.5 months
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine – 1 month
• Trauma – 1.5 months

Finally, year three includes 9 months of Emergency Medicine alongside critical care and elective rotations 3.

Research Opportunities

UPMC Hamot emphasizes the importance of research and scholarly activity. Residents can engage in quality improvement projects and research initiatives guided by program faculty and mentors. The curriculum includes lectures on research methodology, ethics, and presentation skills. Each resident is expected to complete a scholarly project and present findings at conferences during their residency 5.

Application Process

To apply for the Emergency Medicine Residency at UPMC Hamot, candidates must complete the ERAS application, provide a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and several letters of recommendation. The program encourages the signaling of applicants to streamline interview invitations. Additionally, UPMC Hamot is highly competitive and generally welcomes graduates from LCME-accredited medical schools in the U.S. and Canada, AOA-accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, as well as graduates from international medical schools who possess valid ECFMG certification 4.

Resident Benefits

Residents participate in a range of benefits that enhance their educational experience and personal well-being. These include health insurance, income protection, paid vacation days, on-call quarters, and an education fund that offers financial support for educational materials and professional dues. The program provides a supportive environment that not only prioritizes health and success but also assists in career development and personal growth 2.

Competitiveness and Visa Sponsorship

The Emergency Medicine Residency at UPMC Hamot is regarded as a highly competitive program. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, focusing on qualifications and candidate performance rather than solely on traditional metrics 4. Furthermore, UPMC Hamot offers visa support, including sponsorship for J-1 visas for international medical graduates, reflecting the program's commitment to fostering global medical education and practice.

Unique Aspects

This residency program stands out for its commitment to creating a family-like atmosphere among residents and faculty, with numerous opportunities for hands-on training without the competition typical in larger medical centers. High patient volume enables residents to engage in a myriad of procedures early in their training, ensuring ample experience and confidence to manage complex emergencies 6.