Department of
Internal Medicine Eastern Division

Curriculum

Residents discuss treatment options for a patient

Our curriculum is grounded in an encouraging and nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and independence. All residents have a continuity clinic and will build meaningful relationships with their patients and the clinical staff and attendings. This outpatient experience runs the entire duration of residency and, by being in the same location, allows residents to develop their capabilities toward independent practice in an environment that supports their personal growth.

Year 1: Foundations of Internal Medicine

In the first year of our residency program, PGY-1 residents develop the core skills for making critical healthcare decisions. Faculty modeling is key in providing our PGY-1 residents the support they need as new house staff.

Clinical Rotations

  • Internal Medicine Ward Service (4 blocks)
  • Intensive Care Unit (2 blocks)
  • Emergency Department (1 block)
  • Inpatient Psychiatry (1 block)
  • Urgent Care (1 block)
  • Neurology (1 block)
  • GI Consult Service (1 block)
  • Cardiology Consult Service (1 block)

Year 2: Intermediate Internal Medicine

In the second year of our residency program, PGY-2 residents have more autonomy and continued faculty support. Mentoring the PGY-1 class is a key component of this year. PGY-2 residents select electives for their final year of residency, helping prepare for their chosen career path, whether it is subspecialty training, hospital medicine, or general IM.

Clinical Rotations

  • Internal Medicine Ward Service (2 blocks)
  • Intensive Care Unit (1 block)
  • Cardiology (1 block)
  • Pulmonology (1 block)
  • Nephrology (1 block)
  • Emergency Department (1 block)
  • Electives (5 blocks)
    • Choose from cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, endocrinology, neurology, etc.

Year 3: Advanced Internal Medicine

In the final year of our residency program, PGY-3 residents are the primary drivers of healthcare on our services. They mentor junior residents and lead journal club and M&M. PGY-3 residents practice with a great deal of autonomy, maintaining faculty support. Residents are supported and prepped for job/fellowship interviews, contract negotiations, and graduation.

Clinical Rotations

  • Internal Medicine Ward Service (2 blocks)
  • Intensive Care Unit (2 blocks)
  • Neurology (1 block)
  • Substance Abuse and Recovery (1 block)
  • Night Float (1 block)
  • Elective (5 blocks)
    • Choose from cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, endocrinology, neurology, etc.

Didactics and Conferences

  • Grand Rounds: Weekly lectures on advanced topics in internal medicine
  • Morning Report: Case-based discussions between faculty and residents
  • Teaching Rounds: Resident-led discussions on complex cases with junior residents and medical students
  • Journal Club: Monthly review, discussion and critical interpretation of medical literature
  • Simulation Training: Semi-annual sessions to practice clinical skills and emergency scenarios
  • Advanced Procedure Workshops: Opportunities to refine skills in procedures such as central line placement, lumbar puncture, etc.
  • Ethics and Professionalism: Discussions on ethical dilemmas and professionalism in healthcare
  • Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conferences: Monthly review of cases to identify areas for improvement
  • Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Projects: Residents participate in ongoing quality improvement initiatives within the hospital or clinic settings
  • Population Health: Residents learn fundamental population health skills
  • Research Methods: Sessions on research design, data analysis and scholarly activity
  • Board Review: Regular sessions to prepare for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam
  • Career Planning and Preparation: Guidance on fellowship applications, job searches and transitioning to independent practice
  • Negotiation Skills: Training sessions on contracts, job placement, etc.
  • Noon Lecture: Monday-Friday, noon- 1 pm, featuring in-person faculty speakers at Berkeley Medical Center and remote lectures from faculty at the main WVU campus in Morgantown, WV.

Throughout all three years, residents will develop a well-rounded skill set that will help prepare them to be innovators and leaders in the career path of their choosing.

In addition to our core internal medicine curriculum, providing rigorous training in both inpatient and outpatient internal medicine, our residency features specialized education and training opportunities for residents through four unique signature programs.