SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Internal Medicine Residency Program Intern Orientation: Prevalence, Timing, Salary, and Content

Pdf Summary

This survey study examined internal medicine residency intern orientation across U.S. programs, focusing on duration, pay, and content. It found wide variation in orientation length, ranging from 2 to 29 days, with a median of 7 days. Most program directors (76.8%) felt this length was “just right,” while 14% thought it was too short and 6.1% too long; both “too short” and “too long” groups still identified 7 days as ideal.<br /><br />Nearly 20% of programs reported that interns received partial salary (10%) or no salary (8%) during orientation, which may conflict with U.S. labor rules requiring pay for mandatory activities. Shorter orientations were associated with no or partial salary, as well as larger programs, university-based programs, and preliminary positions.<br /><br />Orientation content also varied. Common topics included program policies, well-being support, EHR training, practical workflow skills, and communication skills. However, program directors believed several topics should be included more often, especially patient communication, ambulatory and inpatient clinical skills, point-of-care ultrasound, procedural skills, shadowing, and community engagement. Community engagement was one of the biggest gaps between current and desired content.<br /><br />Overall, the study shows that internal medicine intern orientation is inconsistent in length and content, though directors generally support about a 7-day orientation. The authors conclude that programs may need to expand orientation, especially to include more clinical preparation and community-oriented experiences, while also ensuring interns are properly compensated.

Asset Subtitle

Shannon K. Martin

Meta Tag

Author List Brian S. Uthlaut, Donna Williams, Emily Wang, Kathleen M. Finn, Mark Rasnake, Michael Kisielewski, Shannon K. Martin

Category Research

Concept Internal Medicine Intern Orientation

Concept Orientation Duration

Concept Program Director

Concept Income

Concept Orientation Content

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Chicago

Presenting Author Shannon K. Martin

Track Education

Keywords

internal medicine residency

intern orientation

survey study

orientation duration

program directors

resident compensation

labor rules

clinical skills training

EHR training

community engagement

Internal Medicine Intern Orientation

Orientation Duration

Program Director

Income

Orientation Content