UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program offers a well-rounded and comprehensive training experience designed to prepare residents in the fields of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. The residency is aimed at fostering a skill set that combines the unique aspects of both disciplines, equipping graduates for diverse career pathways.

Program Overview

The program spans four years of residency training, structured around a curriculum that emphasizes both inpatient and outpatient care across a multitude of rotations. Each resident is challenged to develop into a competent physician capable of treating a wide range of patient populations.

Curriculum Design

The curriculum is structured to provide a seamless transition between medicine and pediatrics. The first year (PGY1) allows residents to build foundational skills, where the intern year encompasses rotations in both medicine and pediatrics sequentially every three months.

In subsequent years, residents alternate between rigorous rotations in internal medicine and pediatrics in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which provides exposure to the seasonal variations of illnesses and builds critical thinking and clinical skills. A significant portion of training occurs in high-acuity settings including intensive care units and specialized clinics, ensuring that residents are well-prepared for the complexities of modern medical practice.

Rotations and Clinical Experiences

Residents rotate through four major hospitals: UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Montefiore, UPMC Shadyside, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. These esteemed institutions provide a diverse training environment featuring state-of-the-art medical technologies and treatment facilities.

Each resident’s clinical rotations include:

• Inpatient Medicine: Rotations occur in multiple wards, providing a breadth of experiences with varied disease presentations.
• Inpatient Pediatrics: Experiences in general and subspecialty pediatrics, including intensive care.
• Emergency Medicine: Engaging in rapid-response scenarios to provide critical care.
• Ambulatory Care: Residents participate in a combined Med-Peds continuity clinic, allowing them to treat patients across the lifespan.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UPMC program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion across every facet of training. The residents’ cohort is recognized for its commitment to community service and advocacy, actively engaging in initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities.

The program also offers various workshops that cover topics relevant to Med-Peds, held biannually, addressing issues like health policy, poverty in healthcare, and advanced medical technologies. Residents are included in the Health Policy and Advocacy curriculum, encouraging their growth as leaders in medicine.

Research Opportunities

Exposure to research is a vital component of the training experience. Residents have access to advanced resources and faculty mentors across various domains of medical research, covering fields from clinical trials to basic science. All residents are encouraged to engage in a mentored independent scholarly project, thus fostering a commitment to evidence-based medicine.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The UPMC programs provide visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, including J-1 and H-1B visas. It is essential for applicants requiring visa assistance to communicate this in their application.

Competitiveness of the Program

The UPMC Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Program is highly competitive, attracting a strong pool of candidates including U.S. medical graduates, international medical graduates, and osteopathic students. The program values diversity and actively seeks applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

Minimum application requirements typically include a passing score on the USMLE Steps, a current curriculum vitae, and multiple letters of recommendation. While it does not specify a maximum number of failed exams, a strong academic record is highly regarded.

Graduate Success and Career Outcomes

Graduating from this program provides a distinct advantage in both primary care and subspecialty pathways. With several alumni excelling in leadership roles, the program boasts a high board pass rate, with nearly all graduates achieving double board certification.

Many graduates continue their training in prestigious fellowships across various specialties or step directly into impactful roles in hospital medicine and community health.