HCA Healthcare Riverside Program

Riverside, CA
Specialty: Internal Medicine
ACGME Code: 1400500917

The Riverside Community Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program offers a comprehensive and enriching training environment within HCA Healthcare. This ACGME-accredited program features 17 categorical internal medicine residents and 7 preliminary residents each year, guided by highly qualified faculty from both academic and community backgrounds. This combination provides residents with a rich and diverse training experience across various healthcare settings and patient demographics 1.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Riverside Internal Medicine Residency Program is to cultivate the next generation of physicians and leaders in medicine. The program emphasizes a commitment to the care and improvement of human life, ensuring residents receive individualized learning opportunities and comprehensive support from faculty and staff 1.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum is structured around the core competencies defined by the ACGME, including patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, systems-based practice, interpersonal skills, and practice-based learning. The program employs a blend of clinical experiences, case discussions, web-based learning, and simulation exercises to enhance residency training. A unique feature of the residency is the use of a 4+1 scheduling system, where four weeks are dedicated to rotations in various specialties, followed by one week designated for continuity clinic activities, research, and didactic learning 2.

Residents partake in a diverse range of rotations encompassing various specialties such as cardiology, critical care, infectious diseases, and more. Efforts are made to ensure that education is prioritized over mere service, with additional initiatives such as resident feedback sessions, specialty presentations, and ongoing lectures throughout the year 1. Opportunities for scholarly activities are also abundant, with residents encouraged to engage in quality improvement projects and academic research, resulting in presentations and publications at national conferences 1.

Clinical Experience

Residents are primarily assigned to inpatient rotations at Riverside Community Hospital, a tertiary referral center known for a comprehensive array of services including trauma care and a level 1 trauma center. The residency program covers a broad patient population, offering residents the opportunity to encounter a variety of clinical scenarios and pathologies, which is essential for training proficient internists 1.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program prides itself on its dedicated faculty, who are committed to fostering an educational environment that promotes growth and development in clinical skills. Faculty members hold clinical positions at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and are engaged in teaching, research, and resident mentorship. This affiliation enriches the educational experience and expands the residency network through collaborative engagements 3.

Resident Wellness and Benefits

Recognizing the importance of well-being, the program actively promotes resident wellness through various initiatives aimed at reducing burnout and fostering strong collegial relationships. The program offers numerous benefits, including a market-adjusted salary, stipends for meals, medical/dental/vision insurance, and support for professional development activities, such as conference attendance and research projects 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Riverside Community Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship. The program typically sponsors J-1 visas but also assists in H-1B visa applications under certain circumstances. This inclusivity makes the program friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, helping to cultivate a diverse cohort of residents devoted to internal medicine 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program should have completed a medical degree, and while there are no specific prohibitions regarding the year of graduation or failed exams, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate academic readiness and commitment to internal medicine. All applications must go through the ERAS system, and applicants should be prepared to provide relevant documentation and letters of recommendation 1.

Director

Alina Popa, MD
Program Director, Internal Medicine

Coordinators

Mrs. Julie Pifer
Program Coordinator
Mr. Kyle Mefferd, MS, PhD
Far West Division Director of Research
Mrs. Kristina Dominguez
Program Coordinator

Program

Program size
22, 17, 15 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2016

Training

Fellowship Rate: 61%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio: 0.8X

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours
First Year Salary: N/A
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 5 days

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 243
YOG Cutoff: 2

Match History

Track: 1877140C0
2025
17 of 17
2024
17 of 17
2023
15 of 15
2022
15 of 15
2021
15 of 15
2020
15 of 15
Track: 1877140P0
2024
7 of 7
2023
10 of 7
2022
10 of 10
2021
10 of 10
2020
10 of 10

Location

Riverside, CA
Population
2 418 185
Income
$90 527
Education
26.5%
Employment
58.5%
Health
7.9%
Age
36
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rate per 100,000 Residents

Living in Riverside, CA

  • Crime rate and safety: Riverside has a moderate crime rate. While some areas may have higher crime rates, overall, Riverside is considered relatively safe.
  • Fun activities: Riverside offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and visiting parks. The city also has cultural attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants to enjoy.
  • Climate: Riverside has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
  • Races and population: Riverside is a diverse city with a population that includes people of various races and ethnicities.
  • Education: Riverside is home to the University of California, Riverside, as well as other higher education institutions.
  • Cost of living: The cost of living in Riverside is lower than in some other areas of California, making it more affordable for residents.
  • Nearby cities: Riverside is about an hour's drive from Los Angeles and about 45 minutes from Anaheim. Both cities offer a wide range of entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions.
  • Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, proximity to larger cities.
  • Cons: Hot summer temperatures, moderate crime rate in some areas.
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