Curriculum
4+2!
Our rotations are scheduled according to a 4+2 model during PGY-1 and PGY-2. During PGY-3 and PGY-4 years we have a modified 4+2 model allowing for flexibility with additional electives and independent curricula. 4+2 means you will have four weeks of an inpatient rotation, followed by two weeks of ambulatory medicine or inpatient consults. In general, you will not have to attend Continuity Clinic while you are on your inpatient rotations so you can focus on your clinical duties. In some rare circumstances, you may go to clinic on an inpatient rotation; however, if this occurs, we will ensure adequate inpatient flexibility and/or provide coverage. Both the categorical IM and Peds programs also follow a 4+2 model.
Intern Year
The goal for intern year is to provide broad exposure to inpatient and ambulatory Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Rotations are in two-week blocks with switches between Medicine and Pediatrics every 3 months. The intern is exposed to critical care rotations in the Medical ICU, Cardiac ICU, and Neonatal ICU. In addition, interns start building their primary care patient panels with Continuity Clinic scheduled during their consult and outpatient blocks. During the Med-Peds Ambulatory Block, interns grow even more comfortable in their clinic and are provided experiences to explore specialty or adolescent/young adult focused clinics.
Medicine |
Inpatient General Medicine |
Inpatient Hematology/Oncology |
Inpatient Cardiology CCU (Cardiac/Coronary Care Unit) |
MICU (Medical Intensive Care) |
Consults (e.g. ID, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Cardiology) |
Outpatient Geriatrics Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Pediatrics |
Comer Inpatient General Pediatrics |
Comer Inpatient General Pediatrics, Nights |
NICU – Evanston Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU) General Care Nursery (AKA Mother Baby Unit) |
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics |
Child Abuse and Pediatrics Advocacy |
Vacation (2 weeks) MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Second Year
During second year, further foundational experiences in General Medicine and General Pediatrics are provided with the resident serving as a senior/supervisory resident in these services. Residents also serve as senior/supervisory residents on adult inpatient Cardiology and Hematology/Oncology services, and residents experience their first rotations in Inpatient Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Critical care experience is furthered with first rotations in the PICU, additional rotations in the NICU, and supervisory experience in the CCU and MICU. Throughout their 2nd through 4th years, residents maintain their continuity clinic practices during elective/consult/outpatient rotations and during Med-Peds Ambulatory Blocks.
Medicine |
Inpatient General Medicine |
Inpatient Cardiology |
Inpatient Hematology/Oncology |
Additional Inpatient (Gens, Heme/Onc, or Cards) |
CCU (Cardiac/Coronary Care Unit) |
MICU (Medical Intensive Care) |
Adult Emergency Department |
Consults, Elective or Research |
Geriatrics Consults |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Pediatrics |
Comer Inpatient General Pediatrics |
Inpatient Pediatric Hematology-Oncology |
Comer NICU |
Comer PICU |
Adolescent, Consults, or Elective |
Comer Pediatric Emergency Department |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Third Year
For 3rd and 4th year residents, flexibility is afforded by allowing residents to switch between Medicine and Pediatrics as frequently as every month, with rotation changes every 2-4 weeks. 3rd year residents enjoy expanded elective/consult/research time that allows them to explore future careers and meet educational goals. During third year, supervisory experience is maintained with inpatient experience in Medicine on any floor service and with General Pediatrics at Comer. Additional General Pediatrics inpatient experiences can be at Northshore Hospital in Evanston or La Rabida Hospital depending on resident preference. Residents interested in the LUCENT primary care program may substitute inpatient rotations for dedicated primary care blocks.
Medicine |
Inpatient Senior (General Medicine, Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology) |
Inpatient Cardiology |
MICU or CCU (2 weeks ICU time required in PGY-3 or PGY-4 year) |
Consults, Elective, or Research |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Pediatrics |
Comer Inpatient General Pediatrics Comer Inpatient General Pediatrics, Nights |
Other inpatient rotation (Comer General Pediatrics, Evanston, La Rabida, PICU, or NICU) |
Comer Pediatric Emergency Department |
Consults, Adolescent, Child Abuse and Pediatrics Advocacy, Elective or Research |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Fourth Year
Med-Peds 4th year residents are awarded additional consult/elective/research time that allows for the pursuit of individualized curricula in their final year. They also receive professional development as Chief Residents focusing on leadership activities of their choice. Working with their advisors and the program director, residents meet all ACGME requirements and have the flexibility to pursue interests like global health, transitions care, education, or research. Examples in recent years include residents completing the MERITS (Medical Education Research, Innovation, Teaching, and Scholarship) Program and the LUCENT primary care track.
Medicine |
Any Supervisory Inpatient (e.g. General Medicine, Cardiology, Hematology-Oncology, MICU) |
Consults, Elective or Research |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Pediatrics |
Any Supervisory Inpatient (e.g. Inpatient General Pediatrics at Comer or offsite) Float/Sick Call Comer Pediatric Emergency Department |
Consults, Adolescent, Child Abuse and Pediatrics Advocacy, Elective or Research |
Vacation (2 weeks) |
MP Ambulatory Clinic |
Neurology Consults should be done on Medicine during a 2-week consult block or shared with Procedure Service once over the course of residency.