William Beaumont Army Medical Center Program
Location:
Fort Bliss, TXSpecialty:
Transitional yearACGME Code:
9994800137The Transitional Year Residency Program at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) in Fort Bliss, Texas, offers a comprehensive and unique clinical training environment, fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This one-year program aims to provide residents with a robust foundation across various medical specialties, thus preparing them for subsequent residency training or operational medicine.
The program accommodates between 7 to 14 residents annually, allowing for personalized training experiences while ensuring compliance with ACGME accreditation standards. Each resident can expect to partake in an extensive curriculum including 13 four-week rotations.
Curriculum Overview
The core rotations include:
- General Medicine Wards - 2 blocks
- Emergency Medicine - 1 block
- General Surgery - 2 blocks (or three for dermatology pre-selectees)
- Medical Intensive Care Unit - 1 block
- Cardiology In-patient Service - 1 block (not applicable for dermatology pre-selectees)
- Orthopedic Surgery - 1 block (not applicable for dermatology pre-selectees)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology - 1 block
- Ambulatory Medicine - 1 block
Additionally, residents will have opportunities to select two weeks of selective rotations, focusing on areas such as dermatology, infectious disease, or pathology. Elective blocks further expand the training, where traditional interns can choose from a wide range of specialties including Anesthesia, Pediatrics, and Radiology, among others.
1Operational Medicine Preparation
A key feature of the program is the emphasis on military medicine and operational readiness. Residents partake in advanced training, such as the 10-day Combat Casualty Care Course (C4), which enhances skills in trauma management and emergency response. This ensures that residents not only meet clinical competencies but are also prepared for deployment and field situations
1Participation in Teaching and Research
The program encourages active participation in academic and research activities. Residents are expected to present Morbidity and Mortality reports during weekly conferences and contribute to ongoing Process Improvement and Quality Improvement projects throughout the residency. WBAMC also hosts an annual Research Day, allowing residents to showcase their findings and engage in scholarly discussion.
1Well-Being Initiatives
Addressing the well-being of its trainees, the program includes built-in behavioral health support, group counseling sessions, and has designated time for team-building exercises. The program supports a healthy work-life balance, offering 21 vacation days along with parental leave provisions in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
1Visa Sponsorship
The program is particularly accommodating to international medical graduates (IMGs) as it sponsors J-1 visas. This facilitates their participation in the residency program, promoting diversity and the infusion of different perspectives into the training environment. This J-1 visa support is an important aspect, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can pursue their medical training.
1Application Process and Requirements
While competitiveness varies, the program is considered IMG-friendly, welcoming applications from both U.S. and international medical graduates. Applicants must have completed their medical school training. Specific board exam completion (USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3) is required prior to graduation from the program. Notably, there are no set interview requirements for this transitional year program, facilitating accessibility for interested candidates.
1Training Sites
All rotations are conducted at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. This centralization allows for a cohesive educational experience and ensures access to all requisite facilities, including a high-tech simulation center, enhancing practical training opportunities.
1In summary, the Transitional Year Program at William Beaumont Army Medical Center offers a structured yet flexible framework that combines clinical excellence with the innovative training required for modern military medicine, making it a compelling choice for medical graduates seeking a diverse and comprehensive educational experience.
1Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$52,000First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
100%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Fort Bliss, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Fort Bliss, TX
Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is known for its unique desert landscape and diverse culture. Here are some aspects to consider about living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Fort Bliss has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities its size. The base itself provides a secure environment, but it's always good to be cautious as with any urban area.
- Fun Activities: El Paso offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the Franklin Mountains. The city also hosts cultural events, music festivals, and great dining options.
- Climate: Fort Bliss has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high temperatures in the summer months.
- Races and Population: El Paso has a diverse population with a majority of Hispanic and Latino residents, followed by White and African American populations.
- Education: El Paso is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities for residents and families.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in El Paso is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs are also relatively reasonable.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: El Paso is located near the border with Mexico. Larger cities like Albuquerque, NM, and Phoenix, AZ, are a few hours' drive away—around 4 to 5 hours to reach either one.
- Pros and Cons: A significant advantage of living in Fort Bliss is the diverse cultural experiences available. However, the desert climate may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you prefer milder temperatures.
Interview Questions
