What sets your program apart from others?
First, it is important to state that no program is truly unique. At its core you will learn EM training is the same everywhere, just with slight tweaks depending on the program. However, location is the most important, and I believe ours is a huge draw. We are in Marietta, GA, a suburb of Atlanta, which offers advantages such as being 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, along with safe and affordable housing options in downtown Atlanta and the more rural areas of Kennesaw. Atlanta has everything you need or want; from the ability to get anywhere through the international airport, sports, concerts, restaurants, activities, and parks. You can go hiking, tubing down the Chattahoochee River, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. There is something for everyone.
Our program offers our interns protected didactic time. In addition, they do not work nights before conference. Our conferences are interdisciplinary, including pharmacy, legal, Neurological-ICU, LVAD teams etc. Additionally, our didactics sessions offer more interactive learning rather than “death by powerpoint.” Interns receive 1 golden weekend per month, all residents have an annual meal allowance of $3600, $1000 educational allowance, annual wilderness retreat, one free monthly therapy session, free on-site gym/discounts at a local gym, good health insurance, and formal mentorship program with both faculty and other residents.
What are the benefits of attending a 3 vs. 4-year EM residency program?
One of the benefits of a 3-year program is that you finish training sooner, with lower financial burden, and less burnout risk. Those who graduate from 3-year programs are more likely to consider a fellowship and are equally competitive for jobs upon completion of their program.
What is something students may not know about your program?
I believe that students do not know that we are one of the top 10 busiest EDs in the U.S. Which means that our residents get exposed to a variety of patients and see a variety of cases. In addition, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital offers a huge ED that is two stories. We see over 140,000 patients per year and have a 20% admit rate. That’s a lot of experience to gain to ensure you leave our program as a strong clinician. Not many programs can expose you to that kind of clinical experience.
What range of USMLE/COMLEX Step 2 scores do you look for in an applicant for the program? Or alternatively, how do you feel about the change to pass/fail Step 1 grading?
We do not have a set range, but we are critical regarding failing grades except for extenuating circumstances. Our primary mission is patient care; we must train excellent emergency clinicians for the future, and applicants must first demonstrate aptitude to begin their training journey.
What kinds of opportunities for research exist? Do you look for residency candidates with research experience?
We are not a classic academic department; however, faculty and alumni are willing to help with projects you like and regularly reach out to residents to help with their own projects. Wellstar will also cover the costs of presenting at conferences.as well. Due to our volume and acuity of patients, we are fertile ground for research, especially case reports.
Do you have opportunities to explore global health at your institution?
The opportunity exists, and residents have previously gone on global health rotations. Much preparation is needed for such rotations, so we push potential residents to stay on top of the process.
What are some qualities that your program looks for in applicants?
We look for individuals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We have high volume and high acuity, and we want applicants who are willing to do the work needed to help us mold them into excellent emergency medicine physicians who also have a heart for taking care of their patients. Give us the applicant who is just as willing to get a blanket for a patient as they are to resuscitate them.
Can you describe any attributes and qualities that make applicants stand out?
We look for individuals who want a challenge that will prepare them to work at any emergency department they set foot in. Maturity and professionalism are musts, as well as the ability to enjoy yourself and laugh at life. Emergency medicine is tough, and you need to know how to kick back. We help with that as well.