Jul 1, 2015
Wellstar Health System/Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Program
Overview
Internal Medicine Residency at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center offers a robust educational experience focusing on training physicians through a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. The residency is designed to foster the personal and professional development of residents while ensuring exceptional medical care is provided to a diverse patient population.
This program is rooted in a mission to deliver exceptional and personalized training, preparing residents for a successful career in internal medicine. It aims to provide each resident with the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge critical for thriving in various medical settings. The training occurs in a high-volume environment that serves patients from a broad range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, amplifying residents' exposure to diverse medical conditions and practices.
Curriculum
The residency program provides a structured curriculum tailored to both categorical and primary care tracks. The timeline includes designated rotations throughout the three-year program:
PGY-1 Rotations:
- Inpatient Wards: 5 months
- Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
- Medical ICU: 1 month
- Cardiac Care Unit: 1 month
- Night Float/Procedures: 1 month
- Neurology: 1 month
- Emergency Medicine: 1 month
- Vacation: 3 weeks
PGY-2 Rotations:
- Inpatient Wards: 3 months
- Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
- Medical ICU: 1 month
- Cardiac Care Unit: 1 month
- Night Float/Procedures: 2 months
- Individualized Educational Experiences/Electives: 2 months
- Geriatrics: 1 month
- Vacation: 3 weeks
PGY-3 Rotations:
- Inpatient Wards: 3 months
- Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
- Medical ICU: 1 month
- Night Float/Procedures: 1 month
- Individualized Educational Experiences/Electives: 5 months
- Vacation: 3 weeks
All residents also receive five days off each year during the December holiday season. Importantly, none of the rotations utilize 24-hour in-house call, allowing for a better work-life balance during residency.
Didactics and Training Opportunities
The didactic component of the residency includes a series of structured educational activities aimed at enhancing residents' clinical knowledge. Weekly sessions consist of:
- Morning Report: Discuss outpatient cases and MKSAP questions.
- Noon Conferences: Covering a variety of internal medicine and subspecialty topics, including morbidity and mortality, guidelines review, and journal club.
- Grand Rounds: Featuring speakers from both within and outside Wellstar.
Research Opportunities
Program Success and Board Pass Rates
The program prides itself on a cumulative board exam pass rate of 92% since 2019. This statistic speaks volumes about the quality of training provided and the preparedness of the graduates to excel in their future endeavors.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Wellstar Kennestone is recognized for its commitment to social determinants of health, ensuring that both residents and faculty actively address the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds. This focus can help mitigate health disparities in the surrounding community.
Training Sites
The residency takes place primarily in Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a top-ranked hospital in Georgia equipped with advanced medical technology. Further, residents may rotate in affiliated clinics, providing a wide spectrum of experiences deemed essential for comprehensive training.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The Internal Medicine Residency at Wellstar Kennestone is open to international medical graduates, as it sponsors J-1 visas for residency applicants. The program is competitive, promoting a friendly atmosphere for both DO and IMG applicants, fostering diverse perspectives among its residents.
Application Requirements
Overall, Wellstar Kennestone’s Internal Medicine Residency Program presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring internists who wish to thrive in a supportive environment, honing their skills while making a significant impact on community health.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
17, 16, 17 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 23, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:34% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.4X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: 21 days [1]
First Year Salary: $63,396 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 227–259 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:5 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
23%
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
12%
Mercer University School of Medicine
8%
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
8%
Ross University School of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
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]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
9 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
9 Publications (5 yr)
Carbon Nanodot-enabled Fluorescent Nerve Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Systematic Review of Translational Readiness.
Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Prediction of Reversible Versus Irreversible Chemotherapy-Induced Myocardial Injury: Toward Precision Cardio-Oncology.
Location
Marietta, GA [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 Marietta, GA
Marietta, GA is a city with a lot to offer in terms of safety, convenience, and quality of life.
Crime Rate and Safety
Marietta has a moderate crime rate, but is generally considered safe, especially in the suburban areas.
Fun Activities
The city has a charming historic downtown area with shops and restaurants. There are also parks, museums, and cultural events to enjoy.
Climate
Marietta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, offering a good balance of seasons.
Races and Population
The population of Marietta is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.
Education
Marietta is home to several excellent schools and educational institutions, providing quality education opportunities.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Marietta is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, offering good value for residents.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Marietta is located about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, which is a major city with a range of amenities and entertainment options. Driving to Atlanta can take around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Pros
- Safe suburban environment
- diverse population
- good educational opportunities
- affordable cost of living.
Cons
- Moderate crime rate
- potential commute time to larger metropolitan area.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1401200929
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/c365c627-b4aa-c714-104c-40c6e3262d8d
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US
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