USA Health Program

The Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program at the University of South Alabama is a four-year program designed to train physicians in both specialties, preparing them for diverse careers in primary care, hospitalist positions, academic clinician educator roles, and subspecialty fellowship training.

Program Overview

The residency program encompasses a total of 24 months of Pediatrics and 24 months of Internal Medicine, allowing residents to gain comprehensive experience in both fields. Training occurs predominantly at the USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital, which is specifically dedicated to the healthcare of women and children, and at the USA Health University Hospital, an academic tertiary referral center. This blending of training environments fosters a robust learning experience for the residents amidst a supportive and collaborative medical community 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents participate in a tightly structured curriculum that includes core clinical and elective rotations along with a variety of didactic activities. Rotations typically last four weeks, with residents alternating between the children's and adult hospitals every three to four blocks. This structure is intended to maximize learning opportunities and provide exposure to a wide range of patient populations. Additionally, there is a dedicated continuity clinic where residents engage with patients on a weekly basis, alternating between Internal Medicine and Pediatrics each week. This consistent clinic scheduling throughout the four years reinforces longitudinal patient care experience 1.

Clinical Learning Environment

Training takes place in the well-equipped USA Health University Hospital, which serves as the primary teaching hospital and offers a multitude of specialized health services, including a burn center, trauma care unit, and family-centered care approach for pediatric patients. The Children's & Women's Hospital features specialized services exclusive to pediatric and women's health, ensuring that residents receive specialized exposure 3. The quality learning environment is bolstered by a smaller residency program size of nine residents with typically two new positions offered each year, allowing for an emphasis on personalized learning and mentorship 1.

Research Opportunities

The program also encourages residents to engage in research activities to promote academic development. Although specific research programs are not available in the Department of Pediatrics, internal medicine fellows can participate in research initiatives in various subspecialties, supporting a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program has established itself as competitive, welcoming applications from both US medical graduates and those from international medical backgrounds. However, it is important to note that international medical graduates must have relevant clinical experience and qualify for J-1 visa sponsorship. Applicants are expected to have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 on their first attempt, with a minimum passing score of 220 for submission consideration. All candidates graduating from medical school within the last five years qualify for consideration, and fluent English proficiency is required 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas exclusively, which are the preferred type for international medical graduates. Matched applicants are responsible for all visa fees and must secure valid visa documentation before the orientation date, which occurs towards the end of June each year 1.

Fellowship Opportunities

For graduates interested in further specialization, the program offers access to several fellowship opportunities in various subspecialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology, and pulmonary disease. This pathway allows residents to seamlessly transition from residency to focused fellowship training if they choose to pursue further specialization 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in both general internal medicine and pediatrics, echoing its mission to produce not only excellent clinicians but also compassionate healthcare providers who can effectively serve diverse communities. The faculty's close interaction with residents fosters a nurturing environment that promotes personal and professional growth, preparing residents to be community leaders and patient advocates. Moreover, the supportive learning culture instills camaraderie and collaboration among residents and faculty alike 1.