Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Akron General Program

The Akron General Medical Center/Internal Medicine Residency Program at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is a comprehensive training opportunity that prepares residents for a successful career in internal medicine. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Internal Medicine, offering a structured curriculum over three years for categorical positions and one year for preliminary positions.

Program Overview

The program offers a total of twelve (12) categorical positions and three (3) preliminary positions annually. Residents who successfully complete the training are eligible for board certification in internal medicine. The training emphasizes a combination of clinical and didactic learning supported through various teaching modalities including direct patient care, weekly board reviews, and simulation-based training in essential procedures, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). This multifaceted approach enhances residents’ practical skills and clinical knowledge in internal medicine.

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Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is designed to provide increasing levels of autonomy throughout the residency. In the initial years, trainees focus on core rotations, which involve admitting and managing patients as part of primary teams. Key rotations include inpatient medicine, medical intensive care unit (MICU), cardiovascular ICU, and emergency medicine. Senior residents assume leadership roles during these core rotations, mentoring interns and developing critical decision-making skills necessary for independent practice.

Rotational Experiences

Residents are required to complete core and elective rotations. Core rotations include:

• Preliminary Inpatient Medicine: 20 weeks
• Electives: Approx. 14 weeks
• MICU: 4 weeks
• CVICU: 4 weeks
• Emergency Medicine: 4 weeks

Elective rotations provide opportunities for deeper specialization in various subspecialties of medicine catering to individual career goals. All faculty members are board-certified, ensuring high standards of education and mentorship.2

Facilities and Training Sites

Cleveland Clinic Akron General is a major teaching hospital with 532 registered beds, offering extensive medical and surgical services. The extensive training facilities include:

• The Heart & Vascular Center – an accredited Chest Pain Center.
• The McDowell Cancer Center – the largest inpatient unit in the area.
• Primary Stroke Center – designated by the Joint Commission.
• Comprehensive Simulation Center – providing advanced simulation-based learning experiences.

This diverse clinical exposure allows residents to enhance their capabilities managing a variety of medical conditions while fostering research initiatives.3

Research Opportunities

The program strongly encourages residents to participate in research and quality improvement initiatives, cultivating a culture of scholarship. Guidance is provided by health scientists and biostatisticians, enabling residents to engage in interdisciplinary research that contributes to advancements in internal medicine. Opportunities to present findings at local, state, and national meetings enhance professional development and are integral to achieving fellowship placement after residency.4

Resident Wellness and Support

The wellness of residents is considered fundamental to their education. The program provides resources such as gym memberships, behavioral health support, and a structured wellness curriculum that includes mindfulness training, fitness sessions, and social activities. Annual retreats and a Resident Appreciation Day foster community and camaraderie among residents.5

Educational Tracks

The program offers specialized tracks, including a Clinician-Educator Track (CET) designed for those interested in medical education, and a Clinical Informatics Track commencing in 2024-2025. The CET track prepares residents for teaching roles, equipping them with skills in curriculum design and adult learning principles, while the Clinical Informatics Track provides residents with vital informatics training in electronic health records.6

Application Process

Residency applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates must supply a medical school transcript, USMLE or COMLEX scores (with a minimum first-pass rate), three letters of recommendation, and a Dean’s letter. For international medical graduates (IMGs), ECFMG certification is required, and the program accepts both H1-B and J-1 visa types. Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last five years.7

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The program is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on supporting diversity and inclusivity within the residency community. It actively seeks applicants who have both a geographic preference for the area and those committed to educational excellence. The training experience at Akron General is enriched by a collaborative, supportive environment emphasized by long-established traditions of excellence in education and patient care.8