Internal Medicine Residency Curriculum
While each resident's experience is different, this rotation schedule is an example of how residents spend their time at the institute. Rotations take place at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (SNGH), Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Sentara Leigh Hospital (SLH), Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (SVBG), and Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic.
General Electives include:
- Advanced Heart Failure
- Allergy/Immunology
- Anesthesia
- Away
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
- Palliative Care
- Procedures
- Radiology
- Research
- Sleep
- Ultrasound
PGY1
Intern year is both challenging and exciting. Building on the knowledge learned in medical school, you will learn new skills in patient care and other aspects of the practice of medicine. For the first time, you are the patient's primary physician and manage their acute and longitudinal care, helping them to navigate the complex and sometimes frightening healthcare system. This doctor-patient relationship is one of the most sacred and rewarding aspects of the intern year.
Preliminary Track
- 28 Weeks – Internal Medicine Wards at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 20 Weeks – Core or General Electives
- 2 Weeks – Ward Night Float
Categorical Track
- 20 Weeks – Internal Medicine Wards at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 10 Weeks – Continuity Clinic at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital / Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic
- 4 Weeks – ICU at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- 4 Weeks – Cardiology at Sentara Leigh Hospital / VA
- 4 Weeks – Emergency Medicine at Sentara Leigh Hospital
- 4 Weeks – Core Electives
- 2 Weeks – Core or General Electives
- 2 Weeks – Ward Night Float
PGY2
As you progress to an upper-level resident, you take on a different role and develop additional skills as a teacher and leader. Interns and students will depend on you for supervision and guidance in delivering quality patient care. Leading a team, overseeing the care of all the patients, and teaching both students and interns will make for a challenging and fulfilling year.
- 12 Weeks - Internal Medicine Wards at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 8 Weeks - Core Electives
- 4 Weeks – ICU at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- 4 Weeks - Geriatrics at Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 4 Weeks - Ward Night Float at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 4 Weeks - Core or General Electives
- 2 Weeks - Consults at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- 2 Weeks - ICU Night Float at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
PGY3
The final year of training is an opportunity for continued growth. As you build and hone your skills, you develop additional confidence and prepare for independent practice. Your leadership and supervisory responsibilities grow as you are often the most senior internal medicine resident in the hospital. Realizing your growing independence from the attending physician is a tremendous leap along your career trajectory.
Electives over the three years must include Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, and Neurology.
- 12 Weeks - Internal Medicine Wards at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 10 Weeks - Continuity Clinic at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital / Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic
- 8 Weeks - Core Electives
- 8 Weeks - Core or General Electives
- 4 Weeks – ICU at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- 4 Weeks - Ward Night Float at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 2 Weeks - Consults at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- 2 Weeks - ICU Night Float at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Continuity Clinic
Housestaff provides comprehensive, ongoing care in the primary care setting. At the beginning of the year, interns are assigned to a continuity clinic site at either Hofheimer Hall or Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic. Each clinic has a designated faculty to supervise and mentor residents as they develop a growing primary care practice.
