Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago
Internal Medicine Residency
Why choose us?
A well-balanced curriculum
The national trend in medicine has been a movement of patient care activities from the inpatient environment to the outpatient environment. Our hospital is fortunate to have gifted and committed faculty in both inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing our training program to reflect that trend.
Our first-year residents begin their training with a two-month introductory course. This Intern Workshop introduces residents to skills required in both ambulatory and inpatient settings to integrate into daily clinical workflow. Some examples of the workshops are pelvic exam workshop, writing history and physical workshop, IPASS signout workshop, burnout prevention, introduction to POCUS and many more useful topics.
The continuity clinic experience is conducted at two locations, including Laboure Clinic and a westside CommunityHealth free clinic serving the immigrant and low-income patient populations. Laboure Clinic is a unique experience serving the LGBTQ patients from the surrounding Boystown neighborhood and also geriatric patients from neighboring assisted living communities.
The outpatient training also includes ambulatory rotations in geriatrics, emergency medicine and primary care rotations. In addition, residents also participate in ambulatory rotations that involve varied experiences in private and group practice clinics: heart station, surgery clinic, ophthalmology, HIV clinic, dietician clinic, cardiology outpatient clinic, wound care clinic and urogynecology clinic. When residents attend subspeciality rotations, they do both inpatient rounds and outpatient subspecialty clinics.
Supportive environment
Resident wellness
True camaraderie exists among the residents. The program supports the development of a community feel with social outings throughout the year. We have a dedicated wellness committee involved in planning and executing wellness activities throughout the year. Activities include:
- Potluck and outdoor activities: They provide the perfect setting for residents to come together, sharing not only multicultural homemade dishes but also the laughter and stories that enrich their relationships. In addition, we organize group outings to Chicago's renowned museums, aquarium and zoo, creating memorable moments that extend beyond the hospital walls.
- Outdoor sporting activities: Organizing sports like soccer, volleyball, bowling and table tennis encourages physical activity and healthy competition. It also strengthens team dynamics.
- Creative activities: Activities like pumpkin carving, canvas painting and making gingerbread houses foster creativity and allow residents to unwind and express themselves.
- Open pantry: An open pantry with snacks and drinks is available to the residents in the house staff lounge. This is a convenience for residents to grab a quick bite or refreshment during their busy daily work schedules.
- Monthly resident recognition award: We celebrate residents who display outstanding work ethic, including teamwork, compassionate bedside communication, immense enthusiasm for learning and/or admirable professionalism. They are awarded a certificate by the chief residents and a gift of appreciation from the program director.
- Resident Week: Rather than confining our appreciation to a single day, we dedicate an entire week to celebrating our residents during Resident Week. Fun activities and heartfelt tokens of gratitude from the residency program fill this special week, reinforcing our deep appreciation for their dedication.
- Birthday celebration: We ensure that every resident's birthday is a cause for celebration. Our wellness committee arranges for a monthly birthday bash, complete with delicious cake to mark the occasion.
- Assign mentors: After the MATCH season, we go a step further by assigning resident mentors to incoming residents. This invaluable support system helps newcomers seamlessly navigate the onboarding process, making their transition into our program smoother.
Overall, our program prioritizes not only the professional development of residents but also their overall well-being and sense of belonging within the community. These activities and support mechanisms contribute to a positive and enriching experience for all involved.