UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program

The UPMC Internal Medicine Residency Program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a highly structured educational experience designed to prepare residents for careers in internal medicine. Located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, the program combines dedicated educators with up-to-date facilities within a supportive community environment. It emphasizes fostering resident growth and lifelong scholarship essential for outstanding physicians.

The program adheres to guidelines outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is currently authorized for fourteen positions annually in the allopathic track as well as six positions in the osteopathic track. The osteopathic-recognized program provides a longitudinal curriculum for both allopathic and osteopathic trainees, enabling them to gain valuable skills in osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) among other areas, enhancing their practice in holistic patient care 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

For application to the Allopathic Internal Medicine Program, preference is accorded to individuals who graduated from medical school within the preceding five years. Eligible applicants must also showcase prior U.S. clinical experience 2. The program is competitive, particularly in the allopathic track, and welcomes both U.S. medical school graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Additionally, UPMC offers visa sponsorship for H1B and J1 visas, accommodating international residents who wish to train in the program 2.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is framed to deliver expansive training across a variety of clinical settings. During the residency, residents navigate core rotations, outpatient experiences, electives, and quality improvement initiatives. The first year (PGY-1) emphasizes direct patient care responsibility, while PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents partake in advancing educator roles, supervising first-year residents and medical students. Rotational training encompasses teaching service/general medicine inpatient duties, critical care, night float rotations, geriatrics, outpatient services, and various electives, culminating in a holistic residency experience 3.

Clinical Rotation Highlights

The residency includes inpatient duties at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital and the UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital. Outpatient experiences extend to the Kline Health Center and private practice locations, allowing residents exposure to subspecialty care and diverse patient populations. There are also opportunities for two months of away elective rotations, subject to program director approval 1.

Scholarly Activity and Research

Research is a critical component of the residency experience, with all residents required to engage in projects leading to academic presentations and publications. Residents are encouraged to submit scholarly work to national conferences and to present findings at UPMC's Annual Medical Education Day. Each resident must complete at least one research project, case report, or similar activity to fulfill graduation requirements, aligning with the program's focus on lifelong learning and academic growth 4.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty of the UPMC Internal Medicine Residency Program includes nine full-time and multiple volunteer faculty members from the community, providing a wealth of diverse experience and support. This extensive faculty network plays a significant role in resident education through daily interactions, mentorship, and participation in teaching rounds. With major university affiliations to institutions like the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine, the program emphasizes collaborative learning and mentorship 1.

Evaluation and Professional Development

Residents are continuously evaluated based on clinical competencies through a structured feedback system, which is crucial for their development and success. The evaluation mechanisms also include self-directed assessments, peer evaluations, and initiative in completing program milestones every six months 3. The program uses Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as a framework for evaluations, ensuring that residents develop into proficient internists prepared for board certification.

Resident Wellness and Support Programs

The residency program integrates wellness programs that cater to the personal and professional needs of residents. Well-being initiatives, coupled with board review and hands-on clinical skills courses, foster a supportive and resource-rich environment conducive to both personal growth and professional excellence 2. Through a structured and detail-oriented approach, the UPMC Internal Medicine Residency Program equips its trainees with essential skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the challenging field of internal medicine.