Learn more about Thomas Hospital's Internal Medicine Residency Program
from both faculty and residents.
Thomas Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the ACGME. The mission
and vision of the Thomas Hospital Residency Program is to provide excellent
internal medicine training and to create physician leaders who will serve
the community with integrity and the highest standards of medical care.
In addition to core internal medicine clinical training, the program emphasizes
the integration of new technology including bedside ultrasonography, simulation
lab training, a telemedicine rotation and a rotation with the Associate
Program Director,
Dr. Daren Scroggie, who is board-certified in clinical informatics. All robust Epic functionalities
are taught and emphasized. The faculty critique Resident bedside examination
and interview skills, many of which were passed down from various masters
of the American College of Physicians. Further, the Quality Review and
Journal Club conferences inculcate the use of evidence-based medicine
and the development of critical thinking skills. Harrison's Principles
of Internal Medicine is the premier internal medicine textbook and is
utilized extensively in the didactic lecture series.
Rotations
Sixty percent of Resident time is devoted to medical services at Thomas
Hospital, with teaching divided between the hospitalist staff members
and the core faculty ward attendings. The remaining time is devoted to
diverse ambulatory internal medicine rotations and sub-specialty electives
at Diagnostic & Medical Clinic and with other private practice physicians
in the community.
There are state-of-the-art new ambulatory clinics in Saraland (Northside
Clinic), Mobile (Hillcrest Clinic), and in Daphne (Malbis Medical Office
Building). Residents also have the opportunity to rotate through freestanding
emergency departments as part of their four-week core Emergency Medicine
rotation. A weekly half-day resident continuity clinic at the Thomas Hospital
Internal Medicine Clinic in Fairhope is under the direction of
Dr. Bill Goetter and other board-certified Internal Medicine Faculty .
Thomas Hospital
64 years
1,224 employees
189 licensed beds
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North Baldwin Infirmary
54 years
276 employees
78 licensed beds
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Thomas Hospital and Infirmary Health offer a number of conferences to its
Residents. The
Quality Review noon conference includes interactive case discussions emphasizing the integration
of multiple diagnoses, symptom and physical findings, history, laboratory,
and imaging results, as well as literature input. Critical thinking is
emphasized and there is a vigorous exchange of management approaches from
core faculty members participating in these discussions.
Journal Club consists of one presentation weekly by OMS-3 students. Articles from reputable
journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, the Annals of Internal
Medicine, and JAMA are reviewed. Evidence-based medicine is introduced
in the inaugural Journal Club lecture focusing on the Cochrane Review.
Students and Residents learn to differentiate between peer-reviewed articles
with sound statistical methodology versus internet “searches”
which may support a specific agenda.
Noon Didactic "Lunch & Learn" Lectures feature presentations from faculty in internal medicine and various subspecialties
referencing Harrison’s textbook of medicine and other evidence-based
resources.
Tumor Board and Grand Rounds, in affiliation with the UAB Health System, are an integrated part of the
education of Thomas Hospital Residents. Furthermore, the
UAB Health System and
Infirmary Health have entered a relationship to bring collaborative, comprehensive cancer
services to patients in southern Alabama, Southeast Mississippi and the
Florida panhandle.
Pharmacology Fridays (led by a PharmD) are noon lectures that include an examination of drug-drug
interactions, utilization of EPIC tools relating to medication reconciliation,
and dosing based on metabolic parameters, body weight, surface area, etc.
Pharmacogenetics, drug fate, and metabolism are reviewed, and there is
an emphasis on antibiotic stewardship and newer biologic medications.
American Board of Internal Medicine and
USMLE Step 3/Comlex Level 3 Exam review are integrated into the Noon Didactic sessions utilizing MKSAP and/or
UWorld. Residents actively participate in these sessions in preparation
for upcoming exams. Residents are provided with individual subscriptions
for Board/Step exam review materials.
Monday Matters is a Resident led teaching/presentation series with the aim of improving
understanding of core Internal Medicine concepts, as well as improving
Resident podium presentation skills. In the process, Residents gain scholarly
activites.
Simulation Training and POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) Workshops occur throughout the year under faculty direction using our Blue Phantom
Ultrasound Training Models so that residents may safely learn and practice
procedures such as thoracentesis, central venous line placement, paracentesis,
lumbar puncture, arthrocentesis, and arterial line placement. Residents
are provided with SonoSim education training modules to enhance their
expertise in ultrasound usage.
Although interns are the primary doctors in the inpatient setting, senior
residents and faculty provide close supervision so that safety of care
is constantly subject to supervisory interaction and feedback.
Click here to view the faculty affiliated with the Residency Programs.
Ward Teaching Rounds
Since involvement and respect for multidisciplinary team members is such
an important element of effective and safe patient care, the residents
are instructed and encouraged to do a pre-conference huddle with the various
team members during which input from all team members is solicited. A
model for this activity is our morning
Safety Huddle which involves all members of the hospital team.
Academic Teaching Rounds
Academic teaching rounds occur daily with the Attendings. Patient care,
treatment, and discharge plans are reviewed.
Research & Scholarly Activity
Our physician residents are actively engaged in research and scholarly
activity presenting work at local, regional and national conferences including
the Southern Medical Association, the Medical Association of the State
of Alabama, the Southern Society of General Internal Medicine, the Alabama
Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the Congress of Clinical
Rheumatology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Thoracic
Society, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and CHEST, the American
College of Chest Physicians.
Learn more about our research and scholarly activity by clicking here.
Community Service
Thomas Hospital Internal Medicine Residents are actively involved in community
health fairs, as well as Diabetes Tele-education and Transitional Care
Management. They have the opportunity to participate at community speaking
engagements such as Rotary Clubs and the local Senior Citizen Center.
Well-Being
Resident/physician burnout is an important concern. Well-being is a priority
in the Thomas Hospital Internal Medicine Program. Academic rigor and excellent
training in patient care are complemented by activities that promote Resident
emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Dr. Holly Pursley, director of well-being, facilitates programs that encourage community
amongst residents. A Sunset Dinner Social overlooking beautiful Mobile
Bay is planned annually, in addition to other events throughout the year.
Residents are invited and encouraged to enjoy the wonderful outdoor activities
in our area, such as biking at the Gulf State Park, kayaking, paddle boarding,
golfing, fishing, boating, bird watching, and running. Thomas Fitness
Center, located on the hospital's campus, has modern equipment and a well-trained
staff, and provides affordable and responsible health promotion. Residents
are encouraged to participate in local charity events such as the Angel
Tree program at Christmastime. Resident work hours are frequently reviewed
ensuring ACGME compliance and personal protective equipment is readily
provided. The Thomas Hospital Resident lounge, sleep area, and conference
room are beautiful and state-of-the-art. Residents are provided with convenient
access to food, both in the residency suite and the hospital, and a designated
lactation area is available. Additionally, Residents have available to
them five free counseling sessions through the Infirmary Health Employee
Assistance Program.
In addition to monthly reviews of evaluations and performance data, the
Resident semi-annual review with core faculty provides an opportunity
to detect fatigue, burnout, and well-being. Peer-selected Residents also
serve as a voice for Resident concerns.
Advanced skills in the use of Epic reduce the average daily click count
from 7,000, which has been reported in various Internal Medicine clinics,
to half of that through focused attention and education by the informatics
team. Resident notes are reviewed by faculty to identify non-essential
tasks and have them reassigned to paramedical staff. Subject matter mastery
also contributes to wellness, hence the emphasis on educational conferences,
“one on one” teaching, feedback drills, and mentorship programs.
Scheduled Town Hall meetings with residents and faculty and combined social
events provide an opportunity for more informal discussions of the Program’s
aims, goals, and methods.
Thomas Hospital is located in Fairhope, Alabama, a small, charming town
that carries the honor of being named one of
Southern Living's best towns in the South. Fairhope is located on the eastern shore of Mobile
Bay and is known for its walkable downtown, laid-back atmosphere, and
excellent public, private, and parochial schools. Residents enjoy the
superb location. In addition to the beautiful walking trails on the bluffs
overlooking Mobile Bay, the short commute to Mobile offers the advantages
of a metropolitan city and the 45-minute drive to the sandy shores of
the Gulf of Mexico makes for a great weekend or evening adventure. Sailing,
hunting, and fishing are popular sports, but if you want to take it easy
and relax, grab a chair, and take in one of the spectacular sunsets Fairhope
has to offer.
