BayCare Health System (St. Joseph’s Hospital) Program

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program is a community-care focused training initiative designed to provide essential medical services to families in the West Central Florida region. The program emphasizes a ‘train to retain’ model, aiming to encourage residents to pursue long-term careers in the Tampa Bay area after completing their residency or returning after a fellowship experience. Being a new program, residents will have the unique chance to contribute innovative ideas and participate in shaping the program’s structure and educational environment 1.

Program leadership is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where residents can engage closely with faculty members. Each resident is paired with a dedicated mentor throughout their three years of training, promoting a personalized approach to learning and professional development. In addition, residents are encouraged to seek additional advisors based on their individual interests and career goals 1.

Applicant Criteria

The application process for the St. Joseph’s Hospital program is conducted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with participants selected through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Key application components include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcripts
• Medical school performance evaluation (MSPE) or Dean’s letter
• Official USMLE (Step 1, Step 2CK, Step 2CS) or COMLEX (Level 1, Level 2-CE, Level 2-PE) scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• If applicable, ECFMG certificate

It should be noted that BayCare residency programs do not currently consider applications requiring J1 or H1B visa sponsorship, which is an important aspect for international medical graduates to keep in mind 2.

Curriculum

The curriculum at St. Joseph’s Hospital includes a blend of clinical rotations and didactic training. Residents can expect comprehensive exposure to various internal medicine concepts through structured learning experiences designed to promote clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

Didactic Curriculum

A significant component of the training is the morning report, which is held daily and is centered on case-based presentations that foster vibrant discussions among residents and faculty. This format is intended to strengthen clinical reasoning capabilities. Additionally, the Academic Half Day provides a dedicated weekly session, replacing traditional noon conferences. This extended teaching period covers essential topics such as:

• IM Board Review
• Journal Club
• Grand Rounds
• General Internal Medicine topics
• Ambulatory Medicine
• Subspecialty Medicine
• Case Presentations
• Morbidity & Mortality
• Simulation training
• Palliative Medicine
• Behavioral Health
• Professionalism & Interprofessional Communication
• Wellness topics (physical, mental, & financial well-being)
• Inclusion and Belonging
• Quality Improvement
• Utilization Management

This comprehensive didactic approach ensures that residents not only become well-rounded physicians but also foster skills in various critical areas 3.

Faculty

The faculty at St. Joseph’s Hospital consists of experienced practitioners who are committed to medical education. Dr. Butros Bazo serves as the program director and is board-certified in Internal Medicine. He boasts significant experience in hospital medicine and a passion for educating residents and medical students. His diverse background includes roles at prominent institutions, ensuring that residents are learning from leaders in the field 4.

Community Engagement and Wellness

The program leaders place great emphasis on resident wellness and engagement. Recognizing the importance of self-care in patient care, the program promotes awareness and education on wellness topics through various initiatives. Social events, conferences, and online resources are utilized to foster a supportive and aware community among residents 1.

Living in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay offers a vibrant community and a range of activities suitable for both work and leisure. The program encourages residents to explore the local culture and environment, enriching their experience during residency 1.