Wellstar Health System/Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Program

Marietta, GA
Specialty: Internal Medicine
ACGME Code: 1401200929

Internal Medicine Residency at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center offers a robust educational experience focusing on training physicians through a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. The residency is designed to foster the personal and professional development of residents while ensuring exceptional medical care is provided to a diverse patient population.

This program is rooted in a mission to deliver exceptional and personalized training, preparing residents for a successful career in internal medicine. It aims to provide each resident with the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge critical for thriving in various medical settings. The training occurs in a high-volume environment that serves patients from a broad range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, amplifying residents’ exposure to diverse medical conditions and practices.

Curriculum

The residency program provides a structured curriculum tailored to both categorical and primary care tracks. The timeline includes designated rotations throughout the three-year program:

PGY-1 Rotations:

  • Inpatient Wards: 5 months
  • Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
  • Medical ICU: 1 month
  • Cardiac Care Unit: 1 month
  • Night Float/Procedures: 1 month
  • Neurology: 1 month
  • Emergency Medicine: 1 month
  • Vacation: 3 weeks

PGY-2 Rotations:

  • Inpatient Wards: 3 months
  • Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
  • Medical ICU: 1 month
  • Cardiac Care Unit: 1 month
  • Night Float/Procedures: 2 months
  • Individualized Educational Experiences/Electives: 2 months
  • Geriatrics: 1 month
  • Vacation: 3 weeks

PGY-3 Rotations:

  • Inpatient Wards: 3 months
  • Ambulatory Medicine: 2 months
  • Medical ICU: 1 month
  • Night Float/Procedures: 1 month
  • Individualized Educational Experiences/Electives: 5 months
  • Vacation: 3 weeks

All residents also receive five days off each year during the December holiday season. Importantly, none of the rotations utilize 24-hour in-house call, allowing for a better work-life balance during residency.

Didactics and Training Opportunities

The didactic component of the residency includes a series of structured educational activities aimed at enhancing residents’ clinical knowledge. Weekly sessions consist of:

  • Morning Report: Discuss outpatient cases and MKSAP questions.
  • Noon Conferences: Covering a variety of internal medicine and subspecialty topics, including morbidity and mortality, guidelines review, and journal club.
  • Grand Rounds: Featuring speakers from both within and outside Wellstar.

Research Opportunities

Program Success and Board Pass Rates

The program prides itself on a cumulative board exam pass rate of 92% since 2019. This statistic speaks volumes about the quality of training provided and the preparedness of the graduates to excel in their future endeavors.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Wellstar Kennestone is recognized for its commitment to social determinants of health, ensuring that both residents and faculty actively address the needs of patients from diverse backgrounds. This focus can help mitigate health disparities in the surrounding community.

Training Sites

The residency takes place primarily in Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a top-ranked hospital in Georgia equipped with advanced medical technology. Further, residents may rotate in affiliated clinics, providing a wide spectrum of experiences deemed essential for comprehensive training.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Internal Medicine Residency at Wellstar Kennestone is open to international medical graduates, as it sponsors J-1 visas for residency applicants. The program is competitive, promoting a friendly atmosphere for both DO and IMG applicants, fostering diverse perspectives among its residents.

Application Requirements

Overall, Wellstar Kennestone’s Internal Medicine Residency Program presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring internists who wish to thrive in a supportive environment, honing their skills while making a significant impact on community health.

Director

Jennifer L Headrick, MD
Program Director

Coordinators

Amy Rosa
Program Coordinator
Karen Phillips, BS, MPH
Program Coordinator

Program

Program size
17, 17, 17 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2015

Training

Fellowship Rate: 36%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio: 0.4X

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours
First Year Salary: $63 396
First Year Paid Vacation: 21 days
First Year Paid Sick Leave: N/A

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 245
YOG Cutoff: 5

Match History

Track: 1814140C0
2025
14 of 14
2024
13 of 13
2023
17 of 17
2022
17 of 17
2021
17 of 17
2020
17 of 17
Track: 1814140M0
2025
3 of 3
2024
4 of 4
2023
0 of 0
2022
0 of 0
2021
0 of 0
2020
0 of

Location

Marietta, GA
Population
60 972
Income
$77 719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
35
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rate per 100,000 Residents

Living in Marietta, GA

Marietta, GA is a city with a lot to offer in terms of safety, convenience, and quality of life.

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Marietta has a moderate crime rate, but is generally considered safe, especially in the suburban areas.
  • Fun Activities: The city has a charming historic downtown area with shops and restaurants. There are also parks, museums, and cultural events to enjoy.
  • Climate: Marietta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, offering a good balance of seasons.
  • Races and Population: The population of Marietta is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.
  • Education: Marietta is home to several excellent schools and educational institutions, providing quality education opportunities.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Marietta is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, offering good value for residents.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Marietta is located about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, which is a major city with a range of amenities and entertainment options. Driving to Atlanta can take around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Pros: Safe suburban environment, diverse population, good educational opportunities, affordable cost of living.

Cons: Moderate crime rate, potential commute time to larger metropolitan area.

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