The immersion in hospital medicine elective: Curriculum description, evaluation, and outcomes at 20 years.

Abstract

Hospitalist-focused training (electives, rotations, pathways, and tracks) evolved to address gaps in residency training pertinent to hospital medicine (HM). The immersion in hospital medicine elective (IHME) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center immerses residents in curricular elements fundamental to HM, particularly clinical operations and healthcare economics. We surveyed IHME participants to evaluate the curriculum and characterize its impact on participants' professional development. Throughout the IHME's 20-year course, 120 residents participated, and 76 (63%) completed our survey. The majority practice HM (45, 63%) and viewed the IHME as valuable to their career preparation (36, 63%). The IHME bridged important gaps in medical knowledge and clinical skills development, such as the business of medicine, clinical operations, and creating a clinical staffing model. Most participants (59, 78%) attained key leadership positions, especially in medical education and clinical operations. Our study bolsters evidence that hospitalist-focused training in residency effectively prepares residents for adult HM practice.