Frequently Asked Questions

What is the resident salary for each PGY?

• PGY1 - $ 68,417
• PGY2 - $ 71,286
• PGY3 - $ 74,835
   

How is trauma run here?

Trauma resuscitations are performed through coordination and cooperation with the surgical trauma team. There is a senior EM resident in the trauma bay 24 hours a day every day except during Thursday conferences. This resident is responsible for airway management on all trauma patients with back-up from the EM attending. Resuscitations are run by the EM or trauma attending or senior resident present. Many patients with traumatic injuries are not "activated". These patients are seen and evaluated by the Emergency Department with trauma "consults" as needed.

Is there an ultrasound experience in the ED?

All residents receive 16 hours of didactic training, two ultrasound labs, and a written examination during orientation of their EM1 year. We offer a dedicated 3 week ultrasound rotation later in the intern year during which residents receive direct supervision from the rotation director, ultrasound faculty and fellows with a goal of achieving an adequate number of ultrasounds to be certified. There is also support from an active ultrasound fellowship. Throughout your training, there is ongoing educational teachings during Thursday didactics as well as additional scanning opportunities.  We currently have 5 dedicated ED ultrasound machines in our ED.

Is there a research requirement?

All residents are expected to complete a "presentable" research project prior to graduation. Each resident chooses a faculty member to guide them through the process. Residents are encouraged to submit their research for publication and/or national meetings.

Is there protected conference time?

Yes, conferences are held on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to journal club, morbidity and mortality conference, radiology conference, and special sessions on toxicology and research, specialty modules covering topics such as orthopedics, pediatrics, advanced airway management and EKG/cardiac problems. 

Are there any subspecialty EM tracks offered?

Current tracks include Critical Care, Pediatric EM, EMS, Ultrasound, Research, Wilderness Medicine, Toxicology, Addiiction Medicine, Bio-Psycho Social EM and research/medical education.  Several hours of conference time are allotted monthly to track meetings to further our resident experience in these EM subspecialty areas.

What type of Prehospital Medicine experience is offered?

All residents participate in a 2 week Prehospital Medicine rotation that includes ambulance ride-alongs, participation in the education of prehospital personnel, overview of prehospital administration and the process of prehospital protocol development. Throughout residency, residents are able to participate in large-event EMS coverage (concerts, fairs, marathons,Special Olympics, air shows etc).

How much pediatric exposure do residents get?

All residents rotate through the Pediatric Emergency Department for 6 weeks in the EM1 year and 8 weeks EM2 year. They participate in an average of 8 weeks of Pediatric Emergency Medicine during their EM3 year as shifts are mixed in with Adult Emergency Department shifts throughout each block vs. PEM rotations. Pediatric patients are also seen in Urgent Care and Trauma Bay.

What elective experiences are offered?

There are several weeks for elective rotations scheduled into the PGY2 and PGY3 year.  Many residents decide to take advantage of opportunities in Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester to expand their skill sets (neuro ICU, cardiac ICU, orthopedics, ultrasound, rural community medicine).  Residents have also participated in rotations abroad with organizations that we have long-standing partnerships with, including Health and Harmony (Indonesia), Osaka University (Japan), and St. Jude Hospital (St. Lucia). 

What Visa's, if any will be acceptable to the University of Rochester?

Per GME regulation, the only Visa that is acceptable for an incoming inter/resident is a J1 Visa. We are unable to accept any other Visa's. If you have questions regarding this, please click the Applicant Eligibility Requirements link on this page.