MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health – Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics offers an integrated training experience that emphasizes both clinical excellence and a holistic approach to patient care. The program, founded on the Jesuit principle of “cura personalis” or care of the whole person, aims to cultivate a supportive and diverse learning environment for residents, preparing them for careers in various sectors including primary care, global health, and public policy.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously designed to develop residents’ competencies in medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal communication, and systems-based practice. Residents experience a balanced schedule of rotations, alternating between Internal Medicine and Pediatrics every three months over the course of four years. This structure ensures that residents gain extensive exposure to both adult and pediatric patient care, allowing them to manage a breadth of acute and chronic medical conditions effectively.1

Core Components of Training

Residents participate in a variety of clinical rotations across multiple affiliated hospitals, including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Inova Fairfax, and Shady Grove Hospital, among others. Each rotation is coupled with a dedicated continuity clinic aiming to strengthen outpatient management skills. During these clinics, residents practice comprehensive care under supervision from Med-Peds trained faculty, fostering both independence and competency in ambulatory settings.1

Research Opportunities

MedStar Health provides numerous research avenues at renowned institutions such as the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the National Institutes of Health. Residents are encouraged to engage in clinical research and scholarly activities throughout their training, presenting their findings at regional and national conferences. The program prides itself on supporting residents who wish to incorporate research into their careers, fostering a culture of curiosity and inquiry.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

Among the distinctive attributes of the MedStar Georgetown Med-Peds Residency is its emphasis on mentorship. Each resident is matched with faculty advisors who align with their individual career interests, enhancing personalized learning experiences. Additionally, the program includes various specialized tracks, such as the Global Health Track and the Michael Adams Clinician Educator Track (MACE), catering to residents interested in academic medicine and teaching.1

Insistent on developing well-rounded physicians, the program incorporates diverse electives that allow residents to tailor their experience according to personal career goals. These electives span areas like Addiction Medicine, Global Health, and Health Policy, reinforcing the program’s commitment to comprehensive medical training.1

Training Locations

The program hosts residents at multiple noted training institutions, ensuring diverse clinical experiences. Core training occurs at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, augmented by rotations at Inova Fairfax, Virginia Hospital Center, and several other prestigious facilities. This extensive network allows residents to gain exposure to various healthcare settings and patient populations throughout their training years.1

Visa Sponsorship

MedStar Georgetown offers J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. However, applicants need to prepare and cover the costs related to obtaining the relevant documents for visa sponsorship. The program currently does not sponsor H-1B visas.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Med-Peds Residency at MedStar Georgetown is considered highly competitive. Applicants are required to have completed their medical school training and possess strong clinical skills as evidenced by letters of recommendation, along with a robust personal statement and CV. For candidates with previous failed attempts in USMLE or COMLEX examinations, the program specifies that applicants must not have failed more than one attempt on either Step 1 or Step 2 Examination for consideration.1

In total, the program accepts four residents each year, culminating in a close-knit community of 16 residents who benefit from a rich educational environment and collaborative culture.