West Virginia University School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The West Virginia University School of Medicine Eastern Internal Medicine Residency Program is situated at Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and is the first Graduate Medical Education (GME)-accredited residency program in this location. The program aims to address significant health challenges in West Virginia and surrounding areas by training residents in a comprehensive three-year internal medicine curriculum under the supervision of over 120 faculty members. The essential clinical facilities include a 200-bed hospital encompassing a 24-bed ICU and a high-volume emergency department, along with additional regional care facilities.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured across three progressive years, each building upon the last to enhance resident skills and autonomy in internal medicine:

First Year (PGY-1)

In the first year, residents focus on foundational skills necessary for crucial healthcare decisions, participating in rotations that include:

• Internal Medicine Ward Service (4 blocks)
• Intensive Care Unit (2 blocks)
• Emergency Department (1 block)
• Internal Medicine Clinic (1 block)
• Night Float (1 block)
• Electives (3 blocks)

Elective options comprise various specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, and infectious diseases.

Second Year (PGY-2)

During the second year, the residents gain more independence, with clinical rotations including:

• Internal Medicine Ward Service (2 blocks)
• Intensive Care Unit (1 block)
• Multiple specialty rotations and electives (5 blocks)

This year emphasizes mentoring the intern class and patient management.

Third Year (PGY-3)

In the final year, residents assume a leadership role, guiding junior residents and engaging in complex clinical decision-making through rotations such as:

• Internal Medicine Ward Service (2 blocks)
• Intensive Care Unit (2 blocks)
• Neurology, Substance Abuse and Recovery (1 block each)
• Electives (5 blocks)

This curriculum includes various didactics, grand rounds, journal clubs, and workshops to ensure comprehensive training and preparation for independent practice.

Signature Programs

The residency incorporates four unique signature programs that focus on major health concerns specific to the Appalachian region:

• Mountain Metabolics: Concentrates on diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic conditions through interdisciplinary care.
• Recovery and Hope: Addresses substance use disorders, providing residents exposure to mental health treatment practices.
• Healthcare is Human: A narrative medicine initiative fostering reflective writing and communication.
• Take Me Home: Focuses on advanced training in palliative and end-of-life care.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical school with either an M.D. or D.O. degree. The program accepts international medical graduates, requiring necessary work visas for West Virginia. Specifically, only J-1 visas are sponsored, with no H-1B visa support. Application processes include:

• Applications submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) by December 1.
• A maximum of four years since graduation for applicants at the time of Match.
• Three letters of recommendation are mandatory.
• Proof of passing USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 and Step 2 CK/COMLEX Level 2 scores.

There is no minimum passing score requirement for the USMLE/COMLEX exams, but candidates are expected to demonstrate solid performance based on various selection criteria.

Competitiveness

The program aims to foster diversity and welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Its supportive environment is aimed at nurturing candidates with various backgrounds in medicine. The program is expected to be competitive but remains committed to inclusivity in its selection process.

Salaries and Benefits

Residents are offered competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that promotes their well-being and professional development throughout the residency.