There is a critical need not only to train competent physicians to treat patients with complex chronic diseases but also to overhaul and improve the systems within which care is provided.

This has been identified as a crucial need by multiple subspecialties, and health systems are being forced to provide high quality care that is being linked to reimbursement. Our goal in developing this track is to train residents to develop the skills to face the challenges posed by the growing needs of our population and the changing demographics and epidemiology of illness. These challenges face all physicians both those who plan a career in a subspecialty of Internal Medicine as well as those interested in primary care or inpatient medicine. 

As Program Director, I have a passion to link high quality clinical care to the clinical training and education one gets.  Therefore, with a world renowned faculty who are strongly committed to teaching, and have both clinical experience and training in quality improvement, we will offer an exciting and innovative program where you will learn not only how to heal your patients but also fix and improve the systems in which healthcare is provided. We look forward to welcoming you to our Population Health and Quality Improvement Track.
Susan R. Kirsh, MD

Highlights of the Program

• Flexibility to prepare graduates to pursue training in sub-specialties or careers in primary care or public health, whether in clinical practice or academic medicine
• Explicitly links and integrates quality care and clinical training
• Recognizes and addresses the nation’s health care needs by addressing the needs of patients with complex co-morbidities, augmenting continuity of care and doing these in a patient centered and inter-professional clinic experience  
• Unique didactic and practical experiences

Categorical Interns	PGY2s	PGY3s
1 block elective	2 blocks elective	3.5 blocks elective
1 block ambulatory	2.0 blocks ambulatory*	1 block DACR/Gen Med
1/2 block Firm Urgent	0.5 block geriatrics	2 blocks ambulatory*
1/2 block Neurology	2.0 blocks wards*	1 block ICU*
1/2 block Clinical Skills	1.5 urgent care	1.5 blocks urgent care/night float
7.5 blocks wards	2 blocks ICU*	2.5 blocks wards
1 block ICU	0.5  block ER	0.5 block inpt. consults/periop.mgt*
1 block vacation	1 block nightfloat	1 block vacation

The track will differ primarily in the organization of the trainees, elective time, and the number of ambulatory block rotations (* indicates track differs from the standard program)

PGY2 trainees will participate in the Clinical Research Scholars Program’s intensive 3-week course in clinical research which includes topics in epidemiology, biostatistics, quality improvement, and patient safety. Key issues for didactics will also include: physician leadership, team dynamics, consultative medicine, and transitions/hand-offs of care.  Simulated clinical scenarios involving chronic disease and other issues will be devised and conducted in the Simulation Center. It is also expected that all trainees will complete a quality improvement project and a scholarly (research) project, or a combination of the two. The type and content of the project is flexible and will be agreed upon by the fellow, staff mentor and Program Director.