What is the 2+2 system?
The 2+2 system allows residents to have their rotations sectioned at a maximum of 2 weeks at a time. This allows residents flexibility in their schedules and often, flank their more rigorous rotations with a weekend off.
Will I get days off? How much vacation do I get?
Vacation days begin on your hire date. For more information click here.
Should I apply Categorical or CHOICE?
If you are interested in a general Internal Medicine residency, then you likely will want to apply Categorical. The CHOICE track is for those who are planning to pursue a career in outpatient primary care or an outpatient focused specialty, such as Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Sports Medicine and more. Learn more about CHOICE track here.
What does HBS stand for?
HBS stands for Hospital Based Specialist. The hospitalist system is a growing trend nationwide and within Kaiser Permanente. (To learn more about the hospitalist movement, go to the Society of Hospital Medicine website). Our HBS program was implemented in April 1997 and has led to improvements in teaching and patient care. Our hospitalist program has also been recognized as a model for Northern California Kaiser Permanente. In addition to Internal Medicine responsibilities, HBS physicians also care for patients on non-teaching services. With more residents showing interest in inpatient medicine, we now have an inpatient focused track, HOUSE track. Learn more about the HOUSE track here.
What is the community medicine track??
Our community medicine track is a pathway offered to second and third year categorical and CHOICE residents that allows residents the opportunity to provide care in our partner community clinics that serve underinsured and underserved populations. This pathway will also provide additional focused instruction and education in health disparities and social determinants of health, providing residents the opportunity to become more well-rounded and well-versed in factors that influence the health decisions that our patients make. Residents will gain experience with patients of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic constraints, and differing levels of health literacy.
How much autonomy will I have in this program?
Each resident receives as much autonomy as he/she is capable of handling in our program. Our system puts an emphasis on resident independence and responsibility. An HBS faculty is assigned to each team to supervise resident patient care and to teach the team.
Resident teams generally admit patients on their own while on long call, although at least two HBS are in the hospital at all times to assist when needed. Residents then present the cases to their team attending the following morning.
How can I contact one of the Program Directors or Chief Resident?
Contact the Residency Coordinator for Internal Medicine who will be delighted to put you in touch with one of the program directors, the chief residents, or one of the residents.
What is the accreditation status of Kaiser Santa Clara?
Our internal medicine program is fully accredited by ACGME. Our categorical, preliminary, and CHOICE primary care tracks are all fully accredited and in compliance with ACGME regulations.
How are changes in the residency made at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara?
Our residents take an active role in making changes to our program. Many of our current systems are based on resident feedback. Additionally, we have a robust Performance Improvement curriculum that gives residents a voice to focus on topics of their own interests that also will help improve the residency program as a whole.