In the latest installment of our PD Q&A series, we are highlighting the HCA/UCF Gainesville North Florida Emergency Medicine Residency Program. We spoke with the current PD Dr. Robyn Hoelle about what makes their program unique and what they look for in potential residents.
What sets your program apart from others?
UCF North Florida is located in northern Florida, at the heart of an 11-county catchment area that even extends into Georgia. The acuity of our patients is the highest in our hospital system throughout the state of Florida! There are many incredible programs out there, so the real challenge is finding the right environment for you.
Our focus at UCF North Florida is recruiting residents who understand that quality healthcare—and quality education in healthcare—can only be achieved through a team approach. As a residency, we train, learn, persevere, unwind, process, and thrive together! Our program fosters a sense of fellowship, where faculty are genuinely invested in residents’ success. Residents train in an extremely busy community hospital staffed by partners deeply committed to their development. Without competing learners in the department, our residents can jump right in and immerse themselves in practicing community medicine!
What are the benefits of attending a 3 vs. 4-year EM residency program?
There are different opinions on this question. Research in quality measures shows that graduates at the PGY-5 level—whether from a 3-year or 4-year program—achieve similar quality metrics. That said, PGY-4 curricula can offer unique opportunities to develop specialized skills that some residents may benefit from.
Our program is 3 years, and our graduates leave confident and prepared for a variety of practices across the country. Medical Directors often provide very positive feedback about their performance! Approximately 25% of each class also pursues fellowships after training.
What is something students may not know about your program?
Students may not realize that the North Florida Emergency Department is staffed by an independently governed group that has been integral to the hospital for decades. This is unique within the HCA system and is important for our learners because our group is fully invested in the residency’s success!
What range of USMLE/COMLEX Step 2 scores do you look for in an applicant for the program?
USMLE/COMLEX scores are just one aspect of an application. We do not filter applicants based on scores. These scores are indicators of an ability to pass the boards after graduation but are not our top priority in recruitment.
What kinds of opportunities for research exist? Do you look for residency candidates with research experience?
We have several prospective patient care studies actively enrolling in our department, along with research on social media’s influence on the EM interview process, resident wellness, and more. Our approach is resident-centric—residents with a specific area of interest will receive full support from our two research directors and our GME team, which includes librarians, statisticians, and scientific writers. If a candidate has research experience, we absolutely consider that experience. We absolutely do not require it!
Do you have opportunities to explore global health at your institution?
Yes! Our institution is finalizing contracts with a hospital system in Peru, and this experience will be available as a third-year elective.
What are some qualities that your program looks for in applicants?
We seek applicants who will thrive both during residency and in their careers in emergency medicine. We value individuals committed to their goals, with the ability to work collaboratively in teams for the benefit of everyone involved.
Can you describe any attributes and qualities that make applicants stand out?
We are aiming to graduate amazing EM doctors who we would want to work with and who we would be happy with taking care of our families It’s our guiding principle when considering applicants and guiding our own residents. So, when we read over an application and meet you during interviews, we are looking for the values and track record that show us you have that potential!