Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull offers residents a unique opportunity to train within one of the most diverse and medically complicated populations in the United States. Located in North Brooklyn, the program caters to patients primarily from the Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and East Williamsburg neighborhoods and serves over 100,000 patients annually, with a significant portion being underserved. This predominantly Hispanic and Black patient population presents a varied array of medical conditions, thus providing residents with extensive clinical exposure.

The program operates under a "4+2" rotation model, where every four weeks, residents complete two weeks of primary care practice, allowing them to serve as integral healthcare providers within our Medical Center or the associated Community Health Centers. The rotations encompass critical care, inpatient services, elective choices, and night rotations, ensuring well-rounded training encompassing both outpatient and inpatient experiences.

Inpatient Training

Inpatient training includes rotations through dedicated telemetry services and various floor services, supported by a robust night-float system and attending physicians on site 24/7. The critical care unit, staffed with two residents, pairs learning opportunities with intensive clinical management scenarios, allowing residents to cultivate essential skills required for internal medicine practice.

Outpatient Training

Residents have the chance to take on the role of primary care physicians throughout their residency, working closely with a dedicated Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) team. This approach fosters continuity of care and enables the application of theoretical knowledge in practical circumstances while handling a diverse patient load.

Electives and Specialization

The program provides a wealth of elective opportunities across various subspecialties, such as Cardiology, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, and Research, allowing residents to tailor their training to specific interests. Moreover, the electives can be conducted at affiliated medical centers, further enhancing their educational experience.

Academic Structure

Evenings and weekends are dedicated to academic learning, which includes the Morning Report and Grand Rounds. These sessions feature case presentations, discussions, and simulation-based learning that help residents strengthen clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Additionally, the program schedules academic half-days weekly, where protected teaching time is focused on essential internal medicine topics, supervised by experienced faculty. The curriculum emphasizes major competencies reflective of high-quality patient care.

Resident Life and Community Engagement

The resident life is vibrant and supported by numerous wellness initiatives, including celebrations and activities that emphasize community participation and engagement. The diverse cultural setting of Brooklyn provides residents with numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy the city while fostering a sense of community.

Application Requirements

The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and exclusively accepts applications through ERAS, requiring three letters of recommendation. Both J1 and H1B visa sponsorships are available for international medical graduates, although candidates must meet specific qualifications, including successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and ECFMG certification. Preference is generally given to those having graduated medical school within the last five years, and there is an emphasis on considering the holistic attributes of each applicant.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull is recognized as an IMG-friendly program, valuing diverse clinical experiences while fostering an educational environment that emphasizes high standards of care and inclusivity. This inclusive approach ensures that all applicants, regardless of their background, are evaluated fairly based on their individual merits.

With dedicated faculty and a strong commitment to community-oriented big-picture healthcare, residents leave the program well-prepared for a range of careers in internal medicine, highly regarded for their ability to address a variety of clinical complexities in diverse populations.