Internal Medicine-Medical Genetics
Overview
The combined Internal Medicine/Medical Genetics track is intended to train physicians who are interested in the spectrum of genetic illnesses, and in particular the genetic predisposition of common diseases in the adult population. This four-year program is co-administered by the departments of Genetics and Internal Medicine, and upon completion, trainees are board-eligible in both internal medicine and medical genetics. Graduates have many career options. In their clinical practice, they can serve as internist-geneticists, providing general care to patients with genetic conditions beginning in their transition to adulthood. They may pursue additional subspecialty training in a medical fellowship (e.g., cardiology) or laboratory fellowship (e.g., molecular genetics). This path also is ideal for candidates interested in academic careers who want to undertake research in "adult" diseases with a genetic component, including the genetics of common diseases, clinical epidemiology, medical decision making, and health care delivery.
The combined Internal Medicine/Medical Genetics track offers the opportunity to explore a brand new field in an era of novel gene discoveries and genomic medicine. This track is designed to train pioneers in basic, translational, or clinical research, eager to bring the practice of internal medicine to a new level. This program is flexible and can be oriented towards the resident's goals with significant exposure to general medicine and medical genetics activities, electives, and clinical laboratory experiences. While there is no specific designated time for research, it is expected that residents will carry out clinical or small laboratory research projects during the course of their training. For those interested, more significant research opportunities are available beyond the 4th year through several NIH-funded programs. Details of one of these opportunities are available here.
The range of clinical activities are extensive, and exceptional faculty are available in both the internal medicine and medical genetics departments. Due to the flexibility and novelty of the program, the ideal candidate has to be very enthusiastic, responsible, and goal-oriented. This is a four-year program, and commitment to the above-mentioned goals is a must. Graduates from this program will be highly sought after in academic settings and will have a unique clinical background that will be a plus in both private and academic environments. For more information on the Medical Genetics training portion of the program, please see here.
Application Eligibility
Only electronic applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) are accepted for Internal Medicine-Medical Genetics residency positions. All ERAS applications are reviewed and invitations to interview will be extended to those selected via e-mail. APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 1.
The following documents are required and must be submitted with all Internal Medicine applications to the UAB Internal Medicine Residency Training Program via ERAS:
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Dean's letter
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Medical school transcript
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Three letters of recommendation
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Personal statement
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USMLE Step 1 - You must submit your Step 1 results with your application for your application to be considered by our program
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USMLE Steps 2 - A passing USMLE Step 2 CK score must be posted in ERAS prior to the NRMP rank list submission date for you to be considered for our rank list
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Current photo
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ECFMG certificate, if available
Application Process
We only accept applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To apply for the Internal Medicine/Medical Genetics Combined Program, you need to apply first for the UAB Internal Medicine Residency Training Program. Once you are contacted to interview, it is important to let the coordinator know that you are applying for the Internal Medicine/Medical Genetics Combined Program.
ACGME program number for Internal Medicine-Medical Genetics Residency: 7660144005
Residency Schedule
Note:
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There are three weeks of vacation each year. In years 2–4, vacation is taken equally between genetics and internal medicine time.
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During months on Internal Medicine rotations, the resident will average a half-day-per-month genetics follow-up clinic as well as an Internal Medicine continuity clinic; during months on Genetics rotations, the resident will have two half-day-per-month genetics follow-up clinics as well as four half-days per month of Internal Medicine continuity clinic.
Click here for a PDF version of the schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Does your program offer positions outside the Match?
A: No. Our R-1 positions are available only through the National Resident Matching Program.
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Q: Should one of the three required letters of recommendation be submitted by the Chairman of Medicine?
A: A chairman's letter is not required, but is acceptable. We prefer that your recommendations be submitted by faculty members of your school who are well acquainted with you and your medical education experiences, and who can provide knowledgeable references for you.
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Q: Does your program consider a minimal cutoff score for USMLE exams?
A: Passing scores for USMLE are required. There are no minimal passing score requirements; however, USMLE scores are considered an important part of the complete application, and higher USMLE scores offer a competitive edge to your application.
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Q: Must IMGs be certified by the ECFMG to apply to your program?
A: An ECFMG certificate is not required at the time of application, but in order for IMGs to be considered for an interview, they must have completed USMLE Steps 2 and 3 and the CSA exam when submitting their applications (or the scores must be available prior to a scheduled interview). IMGs who are interviewed for this program MUST provide documentation (an ECFMG letter of certification or an ECFMG certificate) to our office PRIOR TO February 15 of this year.
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Q: Is prior U.S. clinical training required for IMGs?
A: No. Prior U.S. clinical training/experience is not specifically required but, if documented, may be taken into consideration when your application is reviewed.
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Q: Does your program sponsor H-1B visas?
A: Visas that are accepted for IMG trainees are:
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F-1 student visa
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ECFMG-sponsored J-1 clinical visa
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Our program may consider sponsoring H-1B visas on an individual basis. (These are exempt from the cap.)
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Q: Does your program impose a limit on the graduate year of applicants?
A: YES - we do limit (click here to see our website)
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Q: Does your program require U.S. clinical experience?
A: U.S. clinical experience is not required, but all activities included in the application are reviewed and taken into consideration.
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Q: Is there a deadline for IMGs taking the USMLE Step 3 exam?
A: The Step 3 exam must be taken within a timeline which allows the results to be available no later than February 1 of this year, for H-1B Visa Application.
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Q: Does your program accept COMLEX scores from DO applicants?
A: Yes. Our program does not require USMLE scores from DO applicants.
Contact Information
Christy Underwood
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Genetics
Kaul 210, 720 20th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Phone: (205) 975-6867
Fax: (205) 975-6390
E-mail: christyunderwood@uabmc.edu