Apr 8, 2019
UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program
Overview
The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at UPMC in Central PA is a distinguished ACGME-accredited 3-year training program located at UPMC Harrisburg, which has a capacity of accepting 6 residents per class. This program is designed to fuse the advantages of community emergency medicine with the expansive resources of a university setting. UPMC Harrisburg serves a diverse patient population in an urban environment situated along the scenic Susquehanna Riverfront, making it ideally located within family-friendly Central Pennsylvania
1.
Curriculum
The curriculum of UPMC Harrisburg's Emergency Medicine Residency Program is structured to provide a comprehensive training experience that includes multiple rotations within various specialties. The first year (EM-1) includes a foundational orientation period, followed by extensive emergency medicine exposure at UPMC Harrisburg, as well as rotations in critical care through the MICU, anesthesia, and pediatrics.
4In the subsequent years (EM-2 and EM-3), residents continue to gain experience in community emergency medicine, trauma, outpatient clinics, and more specialized rotations that include addiction medicine, EMS, and street medicine. The program emphasizes flexibility in the curriculum, allowing for elective rotations based on resident interests.
4Didactics comprise at least five hours per week with an emphasis on hands-on, interactive learning alongside traditional lectures to create an engaging educational environment.
8.
Training Sites
Residents primarily train at UPMC Harrisburg, which has a 55-bed emergency department and processes approximately 75,000 visits per year. Additional training occurs at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for pediatric experiences, and R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Maryland for specialized trauma care.
9This regional approach allows for exposure to a wide array of pathology and diverse patient populations.
9.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages residents to engage in research within emergency medicine. Research opportunities are supported by dedicated faculty with specialized training and interest in various subspecialties, providing an avenue for residents to investigate areas of clinical interest.
5.
Unique Program Features
UPMC Harrisburg prides itself on fostering a culture that supports early resident autonomy and mentorship by faculty members with diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the program encourages attendance at national conferences, which enriches the educational experience within emergency medicine.
4Residents are also provided with a generous benefits package, including access to valuable educational resources and personal CME budgets.
8.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates and supports various types of visas, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can apply. Typically, graduates from international medical schools or osteopathic institutions are welcomed.
3Moreover, specific application requirements may include details such as the maximum number of failed STEP exams allowed, which is designed to maintain the quality of applicants.
8.
Competitiveness and Friendly Environment
The UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine Residency Program is known to be competitive, aiming to select enthusiastic applicants who express a clear interest in community-based emergency medicine. The program actively promotes a friendly, collaborative environment, essential for fostering strong interresident relationships and teamwork.
3.
Quality of Life in Central Pennsylvania
Living in Central Pennsylvania offers residents a splendid quality of life, with access to numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, alongside cultural experiences in the state capital, Harrisburg. The region is rich with amenities, making it an attractive place to work and live.
8.
Conclusion
Overall, the UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine Residency Program is structured to cultivate competent and community-focused emergency medicine physicians. Through its extensive clinical training, supportive faculty, innovative educational strategies, and moderate living conditions, the program serves as an exemplary choice for aspiring emergency medicine residents.
3.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
6, 6, 6 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 14, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:26% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.7X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: 28 days [1]
First Year Salary: $68,895 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 53 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:H1B, J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:2 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
11%
Ross University School of Medicine
6%
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
4 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
4 Publications (5 yr)
Short-term and long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients following percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Somatic AKT1 Mutations May Confer Increased Risk of Preoperative Seizures in Meningiomas.
Location
Harrisburg, PA [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 Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, PA is the capital of Pennsylvania, offering a mix of urban amenities and a small-town feel. Here are some key aspects of living in Harrisburg:
Crime Rate and Safety
Harrisburg has both safe and less-safe neighborhoods, so it's essential to research specific areas. Overall, it's advisable to take standard safety precautions.
Fun Activities
Harrisburg provides various cultural attractions, outdoor recreational options like parks and trails, and a vibrant food scene to enjoy.
Climate
Harrisburg experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Races and Population
Harrisburg is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures, contributing to its vibrant community atmosphere.
Education
The city is home to several colleges and universities, providing educational opportunities for residents.
Cost of Living
Compared to larger cities, the cost of living in Harrisburg is relatively moderate, making it an attractive option for residents.
Proximity to Larger Cities
Harrisburg is approximately 2 hours from Philadelphia and Baltimore, offering access to the amenities of bigger cities.
Pros
- Central location within Pennsylvania
- affordable cost of living
- diverse population
- cultural attractions.
Cons
- Variable safety in different neighborhoods
- limited public transportation options.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Emergency medicine Programs Near Harrisburg, PA
Other specialties near Harrisburg, PA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1104100209
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/c4c45940-3581-89f1-d05e-b86b3e012358
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2021-2025 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2025/03/program-results-2021-2025/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US4232800
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