CURRICULUM
The wealth of clinical experience at USC is enhanced by a comprehensive and structured curriculum that is second to none.
conferences
Specialty Grand Rounds
A monthly conference hosted in conjunction with specialty divisions in the Department of Medicine that feature renowned guest speakers from all over the world.
Morbidity and mortality
A monthly interdisciplinary conference for the review of cases in which morbidity or mortality has occurred. Residents and faculty engage in a discussion regarding root cause analysis and how to use the data to improve patient care.
resident Grand Rounds
A weekly clinically-based conference where senior residents, under the guidance of a faculty expert, give formal case presentations and comprehensive overview.
Goldstein Morning Report
Goldstein Morning Report is named in honor of our former Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Dr. Goldstein. A weekly session for junior and senior residents on the General Medicine Service. Cases are prepared by the residents and are moderated by the Associate Program Directors. These sessions are attended by multiple subspecialty faculty members from divisions within the Department of Medicine who expertly guide our residents through the case.
Chief Morning Report
A weekly session for house staff assigned to the General Medicine Service. Residents present cases as "unknowns" from the general medicine service. These sessions are moderated by the Chief Residents and focuses on board-specific material.
Core lectures
intern boot camp
An intensive 1-week lecture series followed by a month-long lecture series designed to facilitate the transition to intern year with a comprehensive overview of inpatient rotations and primary care continuity clinic, as well as review of basic topics such as EKGs, radiology, antibiotic stewardship, and optimal use of EMR and resources.
Ambulatory care curriculum
A monthly case-based series on important topics in ambulatory Internal Medicine. Topics are assigned and presented by residents during didactic sessions.
journal club
A monthly session focused on teaching house officers how to interpret and critique study designs and conclusions of landmark journal articles. The articles are presented by residents during didactic sessions and supported by a faculty mentor.
WEEKLY DIDACTICS
An ongoing series of lectures targeted to each resident class delivered weekly in protected afternoon sessions. The lectures cover the breadth of Internal Medicine including subspecialists and are arranged to provide a strong fundamental knowledge base throughout residency.
board review
Preparation for the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination occurs throughout residency training. The program provides MKSAP to all entering PGY1s and UWorld during PGY3. There is also a structured board preparation course throughout the PGY3 year through didactics.
Simulations
PROCEDURES WORKSHOP
Residents receive hands-on training in various procedures, including thoracentesis, paracentesis, lumbar puncture and central line insertion, in a state-of-the-art simulation center.
ultrasound workshop
Residents participate in a hands-on, small-group, ultrasound course dedicated to basic cardiac, pulmonary, abdominal, and hemodynamic evaluations with standardized patients.
ACLS simulation Center
Residents practice their code and rapid response skills in our ACLS Simulation Center which features fully-stocked patient rooms, crash carts, and models that react in real-time to mimic a true emergency.
MSK WORKSHOP
Residents practice their MSK maneuvers in an interdisciplinary workshop with the USC Physical Therapy department during their intern year in preparation for the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Additional programs
global health
Senior residents with an interest in global health and alternative healthcare systems can go on week-long elective rotations to a variety of USC-affiliated sites. Each site provides a unique experience to best explore the resident’s interests in healthcare delivery systems and clinical work.