 How do I apply?
Applications will be accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Our deadline for receipt of applications is December 1, 2009. As part of the application, we request a medical school Dean's letter and transcript, three letters of recommendation, a letter (if available) from the Chair of the Department of Medicine, USMLE scores, curriculum vitae and a personal statement. If applicable, you should also have a valid ECFMG certificate. Once your application is complete, it is reviewed by our Resident Selection Committee, and selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
What is the selection process?
We receive a very large number of applications every year through ERAS. Because of time and space constraints, fewer than 20 percent of the applicants are selected for interviews, so it is advisable to get your completed application in early. Those applicants selected for interviews will be invited to spend a day with us, to meet our faculty and house staff and to be oriented to our residency program. We are looking for highly motivated and qualified individuals. Once the interview season is completed, applicants are ranked and the match occurs in March of each year.
How many categorical and preliminary positions do you expect to offer?
We expect to have 42 categorical and 20 preliminary internal medicine positions next year. However, the number of positions varies slightly on a year-to-year basis.
Where are the rotations performed?
Most of the core rotations are performed at Hahnemann University Hospital. Approximately two months of each PGY year are spent at Abington Memorial Hospital, where a parallel didactic program has been established along with a video conferencing link to Hahnemann. Residents may also arrange electives at outside institutions in advance, with approval from the GME office.
What is the call schedule?
Residents only take call when they are on the intensive care service. Most overnight calls have been eliminated for PGY-2 and up and are covered by a Medical Admitting Resident rotation. There are no overnight calls on elective rotations. Overnight call is every 4th night in the intensive care unit (MICU and CCU) for both interns and residents.
Are you compliant with the 80-hour workweek?
Yes.
What is the salary?
Please note that residents are employees of the hospital, not of the College. The following information is provided on the College of Medicine website for the convenience of the Graduate Medical Education trainees: For the 2009-2010 Academic year, the PGY-1 salary is $45,828. A cost-of-living increase is expected for the 2010-2011 academic year. In addition, residents receive an Educational Stipend.
What are the work benefits?
Please note that residents are employees of the hospital. The following information is provided on the College of Medicine website for the convenience of the Graduate Medical Education trainees: Basic benefits include health insurance, medical leave and a matching 401(k) plan. In addition, house staff are provided lab coats, a meal allowance when on call and an educational stipend. All graduating residents are provided with the internal medicine board review course free of charge. Free parking at all the hospitals is provided to all residents during working hours.
Is housing difficult to find?
Hahnemann University Hospital is located conveniently in center city Philadelphia. Plenty of affordable housing is close by, and neighborhoods including Rittenhouse Square, Center City and Olde City are within walking distance. Public transportation also stops directly at Hahnemann Hospital via the Orange Broad Street line, Regional Rail, or bus. For those residents who wish to live elsewhere, Hahnemann is convenient to South Jersey, Manayunk and the Main Line. Free parking is provided to all house staff during working hours.
Are there USMLE score requirements?
Drexel receives a large volume of applicants, and although there is no official score requirement, USMLE examinations are still an important factor in our selection process.
Does Drexel accept applications from graduates of international medical schools?
Drexel has a very competitive residency program, and we recognize that many outstanding physicians come from all over the world. We will review all applications and are looking for well-trained and highly qualified individuals. We do accept international graduates. There is no specific minimum score requirement for USMLE scores, but usually international medical graduates offered interviews in the recent years have had board scores in the mid- to high-90s. Clinical experience in the United States is highly recommended, but not required. Research experience is also helpful but not required. The institution will sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas. Although residents are employees of Tenet (a for-profit company), the Immigration Service has found that Hahnemann University Hospital is H-1B Visa cap exempt, so we should be able to successfully obtain H-1B Visas for applicants in the future. We can also accept the OPT for recent master's/Ph.D. graduates as a bridge to an H-1B or J-1 Visa. We do offer a very limited number of pre-match positions, but only on a highly limited basis to exceptional candidates.
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