Program Details
The following information is available:Curriculum
Rotation per Year
Over the course of the three-year internal medicine residency programs, each of our residents will spend time on each of the following rotations:
Cardiology
Critical Care (including MICU and CCU)
Didactics
Elective
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology
Geriatrics
Hematology and Oncology
Infectious Disease
Nephrology
Night float
Pulmonology
Primary Care Continuity Clinic
Subspecialty Ambulatory Clinics (includes experiences in fields such as rheumatology, neurology, hypertension clinic, ophthalmology, occupational health, urology/gynecology, otolaryngology, pain management, allergy and immunology, geriatrics, dermatology and integrative medicine)
Team A and B (hospitalist-led inpatient medicine teams)
Team C and D (faculty-led inpatient medicine ward teams)
Rotation Structure
X+Y Curriculum
Our internal medicine residency curriculum is designed as a X+Y block schedule. This approach ensures that a balance is provided between inpatient clinical experiences and ambulatory rotations. Each resident is placed into a cohort consisting of inpatient medicine and one week of ambulatory experience. Three week blocks will consist of inpatient or subspecialty rotations, followed by a one week block of ambulatory medicine, outpatient subspecialty rotations, elective or administrative/research time. The structure of the schedule has improved resident satisfaction of inpatient and ambulatory rotations by minimizing disruptions and enhancing continuity.
Night Float
Our night float rotation is a designated block of overnight shifts to prevent 24-hour call shifts for residents. Night float rotations typically consist of 12 hour overnight shifts with designated days off. Rotation is typically 2-3 weeks. Night float responsibilities consist of overnight management of teaching-patients, teaching-patient admissions, and rapid response coverage. During the day, overnight residents will sign out to their day team colleagues, allowing the opportunity to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to prevent fatigue and burnout.
Programs
Conferences (M&M, CPC, Journal Clubs, Morning Reports, Noon Conferences)
Internal Medicine Residency Program Conferences
Our educational framework consists of a combination of supervised clinical care and formal didactic teaching programs. The residents are expected to attend the various conferences and have ‘protected time’ so they can attend without distractions.
Morning Report
A case-based presentation by resident physicians that is supervised and moderated by core faculty. Morning reports are held weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM. Faculty guide and challenge trainees and medical students to:
- Take a thorough HPI
- Perform a comprehensive symptom-directed physical exam
- Synthesize the data into a logical differential diagnosis
- Order appropriate laboratory, imaging and other ancillary tests
- Discuss therapeutic plans
The case presentation is conducted with a small educational presentation or relevant articles from recent medical literature.
Internal Medicine Core Lecture Series
This continuing series of lectures is based on the educational objectives and curriculum established by Jersey Shore University Medical Center to provide a solid foundation in essential primary care and subspecialty topics. The lectures are given at noon time and are grouped on a monthly basis by field of medicine. Topics include:
- Basics of Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Critical Care
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Geriatrics
- Gynecology
- Hemato-oncology
- Infectious Disease
- Medical Ethics
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Nutrition
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics & Podiatry
- Palliative
- Primary Care
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
Grand Rounds
Department of Medicine lecture series attended by residents, students, faculty and physicians. Nationally distinguished educators present formal lectures related to evolving issues in clinical practice. Presentations cover diverse topics such as research, public health, ethics, business, risk management, professional liability, and cultural diversity.
Journal Club
PGY-3 resident led conference that focuses on discussion and evaluation of articles from the current medical literature. Presentations are prepared with experienced faculty members. Articles are evaluated in a structured format that helps trainees gain knowledge on how to interpret literature and be able to apply clinically. Discussion is focused on expanding knowledge of current literature, study designs, statistical analysis and practical application.
Clinical Pathological Conference
PGY-3 resident case-based presentation delivered to the Department of Medicine. Residents work with faculty members to create a case-based presentation focusing on pathophysiology and clinical issues. This presentation focuses on key literature and guidelines on clinical practice.
Morbidity and Mortality Conference (M&M)
PGY-2 residents led presentations that reviewed clinical cases to analyze adverse events of near misses. Faculty physicians guide residents and medical students to identify sentinel events through the use of root cause analysis. Discuss is used to foster ideas to improve patient care and safety. The forum is used to drive change within the department to reduce medical effort. The conference is conducted in a confidential and non-judgement environment.
Board Review
The department sponsors a comprehensive six-month Board Review Course to help our residents prepare for the ABIM Board Certification Exam. Participation is open to all residents but the course is geared towards the third year class. Board review is facilitated by independent-learning with tools such as MKSAP and Uworld.
Resident Research Day And Peer Review Meetings
These conferences are held monthly and allow residents to present to the faculty and the other residents. In order to hone research plans, study design and data and to foster an atmosphere of inquiry and scholarship. The culmination of these efforts is celebrated in June when residents, faculty and alumni from all departments convene to present papers and posters, with prizes awarded for exceptional achievement. Many of these projects are also published or presented at national meetings.
Feedback Fridays
Monthly sessions held with the Chair of Medicine. Residents are given key updates for the Department of Medicine, JSUMC and Hackensack Meridian Health. Residents are also given a forum to express feedback to the program leadership in a confidential manner. The conference is also used to share ideas, recognize achievements and foster productive dialogue.
Optional Conferences
In addition to the required didactic program, residents are encouraged to participate in other conferences as time permits:
- Angio Club
- Breast Cancer Conference
- Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Conference
- Nephrology Clinical Pathology Conference
- Regional Infectious Diseases Case Conference
- Subspecialty Journal Clubs
- Tumor Board
Simulation Training
HOPE TOWER at JSUMC features a 6500+ square foot, state-of-the-art innovative simulation center that fosters experimental and simulation-based learning with an emphasis on patient safety, quality, innovation and patient interaction. Residents at our program receive rigorous training in various procedures in a safe and comfortable environment to prepare themselves to confidently perform these procedures in critical settings.
Coaching and Career Development Program
The Mentorship Program is one of the crucial aspects of that vision. This program aims to provide redients guidance not only through their time at JSUMC, but also to establish future goals and create a unique experience during residency. Focus is placed on establishing individualized goals for trainees and creating action plans on development. Program consist of focus on career goals, academic performance, networking and professional development.
Medical-MBA Program
The Medical-MBA program is a unique opportunity offered to all employees and trainees at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Founded and run by Harvard trained Dr. Arif Asif and Dr. John Gibbs, the program focuses on training healthcare professionals in core leadership skills and business administration processes required to run a successful healthcare organization. The program is open for enrollment to all healthcare workers and creates a multi-disciplinary cohort discussing and learning about the nuances of running a profitable and impactful healthcare venture. The course provides immense value to those interested in a career in healthcare administration as well as a complete primer to those who wish to understand the economics and drivers of healthcare.
Core Competencies taught during the medical MBA include key Leadership Skills, Financial Analysis, Cost Effective Analysis, Process Management, Policy Development, Business Modelling Strategies, Organizational Behavior etc.
Committees & Involvement
Trainees have the opportunity to to be involved in major committees at JSUMC.
These committees provide residents the exposure to key healthcare initiatives and steering committees, lending leadership opportunities. The committee involvement also allows for physician presence in key decisions made for patient care. Resident Committees include but are not limited to:
- Ambulatory Care & Transition of Care Committee
- Ethics Committee
- Graduate Medical Education Committee
- Infection Control
- Medication Safety Committee
- Nursing Liaison Committee
- Pharmacy Of Hope/Meds to Beds Program
- Quality Improvement and Outcomes
- Research Committee
- Resuscitation Committee
- Sepsis Committee
- Wellness Committee
Wellness
At Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we are committed to resident and housestaff wellness. We provide a positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone in our Internal Medicine program, and strive to promote the health and wellbeing of our residents and housestaff.
The Internal Medicine program values the balance between personal and professional aspects of life and respects the individual major life events that may occur while part of the program. Having time for family and friends, to pursue hobbies and interests, and to have time to reflect on this journey are core principles which we believe in.
As part of the curriculum, every resident receives one half day of wellness during their ambulatory weeks, in order to help residents fulfill their personal obligations and have time for personal wellbeing, health and appointments.
Our resident and housestaff led Wellness committee plans social events throughout the year for residents and faculty to attend within and outside of the hospital. Our program also celebrates many milestones and events including graduation, resident appreciation week, and birthdays. Through wellness and gathering together, we create a close knit family within our program.
Diversity and Inclusion
Jersey Shore University Medical Center promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion in its residents, faculty, staff, and students, and provides an open and welcoming environment for all patients and visitors. We strive to attract members of all communities and under-represented groups to join and take part in our program as we develop culturally competent physicians. Diversity within our program is paramount to our mission and helps to provide exceptional health care to our diverse patient population.
The Internal Medicine program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is proud to serve a diverse community and patient population. Through this service, residents add invaluable education and experience in their medical careers. Learning about different cultures, ethnicities and people of different socioeconomic status, allows for our residents to provide the best health care possible and can improve the health of our community.
Fellowships at JSUMC
Cardiology
The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a highly esteemed program that provides fellows with an exceptional learning experience. Currently we are offering three positions per year. The program boasts a large number of practicing Cardiologists who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring fellows. Fellows have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population, including those with complex and challenging cases, providing them with a unique and invaluable training experience.
One of the defining features of the program is the high level of acuity of the patients seen by fellows. Fellows are exposed to a wide range of cardiac conditions, including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, exposure to mechanical support, end stage heart failure, and post-surgical patients among others. This exposure provides fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle complex cases and to provide exceptional patient care.
Another key aspect of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the integration with Cardiothoracic surgery. Fellows have the opportunity to work closely with Cardiothoracic surgeons in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the surgical management of cardiovascular disease. This integration helps to ensure that fellows have a comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of cardiovascular care.
Throughout the program, fellows have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including advanced imaging techniques, electrophysiology studies, and interventional procedures. During fellowship the fellows are the primary operator under direct attending supervision in procedures such as Swan-Catheter placement, transvenous pacemaker placement, cardiac catheterization, transesophageal echocardiography among others. This exposure to cutting-edge technologies and techniques helps fellows to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Overall, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a rigorous and rewarding program that provides fellows with an exceptional education and training experience. With a large number of cardiologists, a diverse patient population, a high level of acuity, and integration with cardiothoracic surgery, the program offers fellows a unique opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of cardiovascular disease.
Pulmonology/Critical Care
Led under the leadership of Dr. Eric Costanzo, Jersey Shore University Medical Center offers both a 2 year Pulmonary Fellowship as well as a combined 3 year Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship. Apart from a comprehensive didactic curriculum, Fellows gain critical and valuable experience in managing a variety of ambulatory and inpatient pulmonary diseases such as COPD, Asthma, OSA, ILD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension to name a few. With our new state of the art Endoscopy Suite, we provide our fellows with a large volume of procedural experience with fiberoptic bronchoscopy and EBUS. Fellows also gain vital experience in bedside procedures such as thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, intubations and bedside POCUS evaluations. We are also proud to have recently established a specialized pulmonary hypertension clinic focussed on the management of patients with advanced pulmonary hypertension.
After 2 years of pulmonary fellowships, our fellows transition to a 1 year critical care program where our dedicated fellows gain experience in a wide variety of critical illnesses. Our fellows rotate between the MICU, NSICU, SICU and CVICU. During this time, our fellows are trained in emergent diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedures such as intubations, central venous access placement, Swan-Ganz Catheter placement, Arterial Line placement, Chest Tube insertion, Paracentesis, Lumbar Punctures to name a few. Our fellows are effectively trained in management of ventilators, VV-ECMO and CRRT. Our Robust curriculum ensures a level of comfort in management of critically ill patients.
Hematology/Oncology
A comprehensive and robust 3 year Hematology and Oncology Fellowship. The overall goal of the program is to provide the education, training and clinical experience necessary to gain expertise as a hematologist oncologist. This includes the goal of board certification in hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, competence in procedures typically expected of the hematology oncology sub-specialist such as bone marrow aspiration and biopsies along with the achievement of required performance skills through implementation of the ACGME Core Competencies.
Fellows will rotate through both inpatient and outpatient consultative services, where they will gain clinical training in all areas of hematology and medical oncology. Fellows will become skilled in diagnosis and management of benign and malignant hematology as well solid tumor cases. We are proud to provide a robust exposure to hematopathology, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, bone marrow transplantation as well as transfusion medicine. With our newly instituted Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Fellows gain valuable experience in the pre-procedure and post-procedure acute management of these critically frail patients. Scholarly activity will be required including dedicated time for research. The fellowship program will involve multiple weekly and monthly lectures including, journal clubs, hematology and medical oncology board review sessions, tumor boards, interdisciplinary case conferences and patient care cases, as well as other meetings for education and professional purposes.
Over three years of fellowship training, the hematology/oncology division offers extensive training at the cancer center in the state-of-the-art HOPE Tower, located adjacent to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where the latest in technology and treatment options are offered. We have a dedicated clinical teaching faculty with understanding of how to provide innovative hematology/oncology care, while providing advanced knowledge and experience to our fellows in a collegial and collaborative environment.
Endocrinology
The Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship Program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a two year program. Fellows will rotate through both in-patient and outpatient consultative services, where they will gain clinical training in all areas of endocrinology. The fellowship program will involve multiple weekly and monthly lectures including journal clubs, endocrine board review sessions, tumor boards, interdisciplinary case conferences, and patient care case presentations, as well as other meetings for education and professional purposes.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, part of the Hackensack Meridian Health Network, is a tertiary referral hospital that evaluates and treats a large number of endocrine patients. We have the technology and resources to train fellows to become skilled in thyroid ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules, and management of the latest insulin pumps as well as continuous glucose monitors. Fellows also gain a robust understanding of endocrine imaging, nuclear medicine as well as other endocrinological diagnostics. Our respected endocrinologists are dedicated educators who will offer a wealth of knowledge and experience to our fellows in a collegial and collaborative environment.
Nephrology
At the Jersey Shore University Medical Center our Nephrology and Hypertension Program aims to provide robust and comprehensive training in clinical nephrology and hypertension as well as in-depth exposure to research and scholarly activity. The goal of this program is to teach the fellow clinical knowledge, procedural skills, clinical judgment, professionalism, interpersonal skills and ethical insight in the management of basic and complex renal disorders including glomerular diseases. The curriculum is designed to provide broad clinical exposure in acute and chronic kidney disease including renal replacement therapy (intermittent hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy, peritoneal dialysis) in the inpatient and outpatient settings. The program also focuses on robust clinical and research opportunities in renal transplantation. Fellowship training will prepare our fellows to function not only as outstanding nephrologists but also as contributing members of the medical community. While the division of nephrology conducts research on all aspects on nephrology, a major emphasis is placed on research in the area of Interventional Nephrology(a field pioneered by our Chair of Medicine Dr Arif Asif), vascular access, glomerulonephritis, and various cardio-renal aspects.
At the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we are amongst a handful of institutes that provide a combined 3 year Nephrology and Critical Care Fellowship. This includes rotating through and gaining experience in the MICU, CVICU, SICU and neuro-critical care ICU. Our hospital employs a variety of clinical and didactic activities to assist fellows in acquiring knowledge in critical care areas, including ventilation and gas exchange, acute coronary syndrome, shock, acute renal failure, acute liver failure, malignancies and metastatic diseases and respiratory failure. Our Fellows gain vital experience in conducting bronchoscopies, central venous access, intubations, chest tube placement, thoracentesis, paracentesis, lumbar punctures etc. Our fellows are also trained in advanced POCUS techniques for rapid bedside assessment of critically ill patients. Our robust curriculum ensures a level of comfort in the management of critically ill patients.
Teaching Affiliations at JSUMC
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is a private medical school located in Nutley, New Jersey. The school was founded in 2015 as a partnership between Seton Hall University and Hackensack Meridian Health, one of the largest healthcare networks in New Jersey. The medical school is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
The curriculum at Hackensack Meridian Medical School emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and patient-centered care. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical training sites, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
The medical school also offers a number of unique programs, including a dual-degree program in medicine and healthcare management, as well as opportunities for global health experiences and community service. Additionally, students have access to a variety of research opportunities, including the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers and scientists.
St. Georges University
St. George’s University School of Medicine is a medical school (SGUSOM) that is based in the island of Grenada in the Caribbean. The school of medicine has been around since 1976, drawing a diverse population of students in faculty from 140 countries. Over the years the school has built a large alumni network and is one of the largest providers of U.S. physicians.
Student’s of St. George’s University School of Medicine have the option to complete their clinical years of training in the United States. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is proudly one of the teaching sites hosting SGUSOM. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a hospital that prioritizes teaching and its partnership with SGUSOM provides plenty of opportunity for residents and faculty to teach.
Research
The Internal Medicine program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is proud to have a robust foundation in research. Our residents have published hundreds of research articles and manuscripts during their training. The research includes but is not limited to clinical and translational sciences, basic sciences, quality improvement initiatives, public health, patient safety, and education.
The faculty of the Internal Medicine program provides great leadership and mentoring for those interested in research. Our faculty actively seek out interesting cases to be written as case reports by junior residents as well as more advanced manuscripts by seniors. There is support for National Readmission Database and National Inpatient Sample database research projects including statistical analysis. Our faculty are also well versed in writing Institutional Review Board proposals and provide mentorship to trainees to expedite review times. A number of our faculty also have formal positions on hospital wide quality improvement boards and often engage residents in designing interventions that result in real time improvements.
The Booker Health Sciences Library also provides valuable resources and support for those interested in pursuing research. We have a full time librarian staff that is available to assist with accessing online databases as well as in the creation of conference posters through Hackensack approved templates.
The Jersey Shore University Medical Center Internal Medicine program provides an allowance for each resident per academic year for research and scholarly activities, including attending conferences, registration costs, and article processing charge if accepted for publication.
Over the past years, residents have had the opportunity to attend several in person conferences including but not limited to the American Heart Association (2022, Chicago), the American College of Physicians (National & New Jersey Chapter (2023, San Diego)), CHEST (2022, Nashville), and the American College of Cardiology (2023, New Orleans), American Thoracic Society (2023, Washington D.C).
