Willis-Knighton Health System Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is dedicated to training physicians who provide compassionate, evidence-based, and high-quality care to the region's diverse communities. The program aims to retain and equip physicians committed to serving Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, fostering both autonomous practice and preparation for subspecialty training while ensuring exemplary medical knowledge, evidenced by board certification.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program employs a 4+1 rotation model, where residents participate in various core and elective rotations across their three years. During the +1 week, residents dedicate time to continuity clinics, with a total of 160 clinic sessions throughout the training. Core rotations include inpatient medicine, critical care, and various subspecialties, ensuring a comprehensive clinical education. Each rotation typically ranges from four weeks, with the flexibility of two-week experiences combined with night float.

For PGY-1, core rotations include inpatient medicine, night medicine, ICU, nephrology, and various electives. PGY-2 involves exposure to ICU, infectious diseases, hematology/oncology, and cardiology, while PGY-3 focuses on geriatrics, neurology, endocrinology, and rheumatology, allowing residents to solidify their internal medicine foundation. Residents also participate in night medicine and elective rotations throughout their training, ensuring comprehensive exposure to various clinical settings.

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Didactics and Education

The didactic curriculum is robust, incorporating hands-on training, lectures, case presentations, and workshops. Significant emphasis is placed on the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines and ACGME requirements, underscoring the preparatory focus for the specialty.

Morning patient rounds and afternoon case reports foster interactive learning, while academic half days held every Wednesday provide essential lectures covering clinical medicine and basic sciences. Key educational activities include Grand Rounds, Journal Clubs, and Morbidity & Mortality reviews, facilitating continuous learning and peer interaction.

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Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training, receiving comprehensive education in research methodology and quality improvement. The program supports publication and presentation opportunities at local and national conferences, aiming to foster an environment of inquiry and academic development.
Residents are expected to submit case reports, lead discussions, and present findings during specific forums, cultivating a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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Simulation Training

The training includes experiences at the Willis-Knighton Innovation Center's Virtual Hospital, equipped with high-fidelity simulators to replicate real-life clinical scenarios. This environment provides residents with the ability to practice essential skills, from procedural training, such as central line placement to managing critical scenarios.

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Program Competitiveness

The program is open to both US graduates and international medical graduates, with J-1 visa sponsorship available on a case-by-case basis. There is no fixed minimum USMLE score requirement; however, candidates are preferred to score above 220 on Step 2 CK. Applications are considered holistically, and while first-attempt success on exams is ideal, the program evaluates all candidates based on their overall qualifications.

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Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program recruits 10 categorical residents annually, with specific requirements for international medical graduates, including recent graduation and clinical experience. The application must include common components such as letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and MSPE.

Moreover, the program is committed to diversity and inclusion within its selection process, providing equal opportunities regardless of applicants’ backgrounds.

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Unique Aspects of the Program

Willis-Knighton Health features a strong commitment to resident wellness and support, offering teaching opportunities and exposure to diverse patient populations. The program nurtures leadership and professionalism among its residents, aiming to produce competent practitioners prepared for futures in both primary care and subspecialties.

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