Unity Health-White County Medical Center Program

The Transitional Year Residency Program at Unity Health – White County Medical Center is designed to prepare residents for their next steps toward advanced specialty training. This one-year ACGME-accredited program emphasizes the development of a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professionalism crucial for future practice in various medical specialties.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to maximize the educational experience through a combination of formal didactic sessions, simulation training, and asynchronous education. The formal didactics consist of traditional lectures, ACP Board Prep Curriculum, case presentations, monthly journal club, and morbidity and mortality conferences. The typical weekly schedule includes:

• Monday: 1 to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday: 12 to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday: 12 to 1 p.m.
• Thursday: 12 to 1 p.m.
• Friday: 12 to 2 p.m.

This structured learning approach is aimed at enhancing the resident’s understanding and application of essential medical knowledge.1

Simulation Training

Simulation training is conducted on the first and third Fridays of each month, focusing on essential skills such as code blue responses and procedural techniques like Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). Residents benefit from hands-on experiences directed by Internal Medicine chiefs and attendings who mentor them in practical applications of their training.1

Clinical Rotations

The PGY-1 year includes significant clinical exposure with the following rotation structure:

• 4 months of Inpatient Internal Medicine
• 1 month of Nephrology
• 1 month of Night Float (divided into two 2-week rotations)
• 1 month of Emergency Medicine
• 1 month of Outpatient Medicine (options include Pediatrics, Family Medicine, or Women’s Health)
• 1 month of Hematology/Oncology
• 3 months of Electives

This diverse exposure is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of various subspecialties and prepare residents for their subsequent training periods.1

Research Opportunities

The program promotes scholarly activity, encouraging residents to engage in research projects that can lead to presentations at conferences and publications in medical journals. Resources are allocated for residents to work closely with faculty on research, emphasizing continuous personal and professional development.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

Unity Health emphasizes a supportive environment, recognizing the need for a work-life balance. The program actively cultivates a culture of respect and inclusion among its residents and staff, fostering personal well-being while developing professional competencies.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Transitional Year Residency Program at Unity Health supports various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates. The program is known to be competitive, accepting a diverse group of residents each year and encouraging applications from both US and international medical graduates.1

Application Requirements

Applications for the Transitional Year Program are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program requires that preferred applicants meet specific criteria, including:

• Within two years of medical school graduation
• USMLE scores of 205 or greater, particularly on Part II, or COMLEX scores of 450 or greater
• Dean’s letter or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Three letters of recommendation
• ECFMG certification, if applicable, by June 2024

Furthermore, the program will not accommodate observerships, emphasizing a straightforward and transparent application process for all potential residents.1

Program Leadership and Faculty

The program is led by an experienced team dedicated to guiding residents through a transformative learning experience. The faculty consists of professionals from diverse educational backgrounds, including those from esteemed institutions, providing residents with a broad spectrum of insights into medical practices and specialties.1