In the latest installment of our PD Q&A series, we are highlighting the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at University of Tennessee Health Science-Murfreesboro/Nashville. We spoke with the current PD Dr. Mark Reiter about what makes their program unique and what they look for in potential residents.
What sets your program apart from others?
The University of Tennessee Health Science—Murfreesboro/Nashville Emergency Medicine Residency began in 2015. Our community-based three-year residency program is based on high-volumes, while also having the advantages of the academic resources of a major university medical school. Residents play a hands-on role in managing their patients and have the opportunity to perform numerous resuscitations and procedures.
We have a large emergency medicine faculty and a relatively small (8 residents/year) residency, so our faculty can interact very closely with our residents. The majority of resident clinical shifts are one-on-one with their attending. Our didactics and workshops have much faculty participation, and we foster strong mentoring relationships.
Our residency is one of the few in the country where the faculty are part of an independent, democratic physician group. Our emergency medicine faculty will give you much exposure to the “real world” of emergency medicine, including a robust education on the business of emergency medicine, leadership development, and career development.
What are the benefits of attending a 3 vs. 4-year EM residency program?
Most resident physicians are ready for independent practice after 3 years. Those who feel they would benefit from further training can take advantage of fellowship opportunities.
What is something students may not know about your program?
We have a popular event medicine experience with our resident physicians staffing many of the top events in the Nashville area, including the biggest music artists, NFL Titans, and many others.
What range of USMLE/COMLEX Step 2 scores do you look for in an applicant?
Although we will consider candidates with all USMLE and COMLEX scores, most of our residents have performed well on these examinations, as well as their medical school clerkships.
What kinds of research opportunities exist? Do you look for residency candidates with research experience?
Our residency provides a variety of research support through the University of Tennessee and Ascension St. Thomas Health. We have access to research experts, statisticians, medical librarians, etc. Resident physicians frequently present their research at our St. Thomas Health Research Symposium or national emergency medicine meetings. Our residency’s main focus is to prepare our resident physicians to be clinically outstanding. That being said, research experience is not an important criterion in our selection process.
What are some qualities that your program looks for in applicants?
Successful candidates have excellent interpersonal skills, are team players, have a positive attitude, are teachable, have a strong work ethic, value integrity, and are committed to their education. Many of our resident physicians have much leadership and service experience.
For more information: Emergency Medicine Residency Program | UTHSC Nashville