Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program in Internal Medicine is a distinguished university-based program located at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. This program operates under the auspices of Northwell Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, and is committed to offering an exceptional training experience steeped in clinical excellence, research opportunities, and innovative medical education. Situated on Long Island, the program caters to a diverse patient population from the greater metropolitan New York area, enhancing the learning experience for residents.

Program Overview

The overarching mission of the residency program is aligned with Northwell Health's commitment to providing outstanding clinical care, groundbreaking research, and exceptional medical education. The curriculum is designed to cultivate residents into proficient, compassionate clinicians who are well-versed in evidence-based medicine and equipped with the requisite skills for patient-centered care. Residents will gain competency across six ACGME domains: medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, systems-based practice, practice-based learning and improvement, and professionalism 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The residency program features superb clinical training at two tertiary care centers: North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Key features of the training include:

• Hands-on experience in general medical wards, medical intensive care units (MICU), cardiac care units (CCU), emergency medicine, and various subspecialty electives.
• A continuity model of house staff education using a “four-plus-one” system, allowing residents to dedicate a week to ambulatory education following every four-week inpatient rotation.
• Participation in structured didactics that include case presentations, journal clubs, and grand rounds led by experts in various fields.

In addition to general internal medicine training, residents can engage in various customized training tracks beginning in their second year, including research, primary care, lifestyle medicine, and community health 2.

Research Opportunities

Northwell Health places a strong emphasis on research, with residents having access to the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, recognized among the top in NIH funding. The program offers structured support for residents interested in pursuing research projects, including mentorship, structured research courses, and time allocated within the residency to focus on individual research interests. Residents participating in the research track are encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication and present their findings at professional meetings 3.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. This is reflected in dedicated committees that address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concerns and provide a platform for underrepresented residents to voice their experiences and receive support. DEI training and awareness initiatives are integrated into the residency curriculum, further enhancing the cultural competence of future healthcare providers 4.

Application Process

Applicants to the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program can expect a highly competitive application process. Key requirements include:

• Applications should be submitted via the ERAS, accompanied by the medical school transcript, curriculum vitae, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE).
• There is no minimum USMLE score requirement, but Step 2 scores are mandatory at the time of application.
• Applications are accepted from medical graduates who have graduated within the last three years; international medical graduates (IMGs) are also welcomed 5.
• The program sponsors both J1 and H1B visas for international applicants.

Competitiveness and Residency Life

The residency program is recognized as highly competitive, receiving roughly 4,000 applications for only 36 categorical PGY-1 positions. Residents experience a collaborative learning environment supported by collegiality and mentorship, contributing to their professional growth 6.

Salary and Benefits

As of 2023, residents at the Zucker School of Medicine enjoy competitive salaries, with base pay starting at $80,465 for PGY-1s and increasing through the years. Benefits include on-campus housing, malpractice insurance, lunch during weekdays, a wellness program, and generous paid time off provisions, including vacation days and wellness days 7.

Wellness and Support

Recognizing the demands of residency training, the program places a significant emphasis on resident wellness. Initiatives include monthly wellness activities, mental health support, and community-building events to promote resilience among trainees. Each resident is allocated four wellness days per year to promote self-care 8.