Curriculum
Our program’s academic year uses a 13-block schedule of 2- or 4-week rotations designed to give residents ample time to develop procedural skills in the emergency department and see a diverse array of patients.
As residents progress through the program, they build on their knowledge, are able to manage higher patient volumes and higher-acuity patients, and move into supervisory roles as they prepare for their post-residency careers.
The first year begins with an orientation block that includes introductory shifts in the ED with simulation, procedures, and classroom time to ease residents into our program.
Rotations below occur at Washington Regional Medical Center, unless otherwise stated.
PGY1 Rotations:
- Emergency Department
- Pediatric Emergency Department (Arkansas Children’s Northwest)
- Anesthesia
- Ultrasound
- MICU
- Cardiovascular ICU
- Obstetrics
- EMS (Central EMS)
- Admin
PGY2 Rotations:
- Emergency Department
- Pediatric Emergency Department (Arkansas Children’s Northwest)
- Pediatric ICU (Arkansas Children’s Hospital)
- Neurological ICU
- Trauma
PGY3 Rotations:
- Emergency Department
- Pediatric Emergency Department (Arkansas Children’s Northwest)
- MICU
- Neonatal ICU
- Teaching
- Elective
Conferences
Residents have protected time on Thursdays for didactics. These sessions are typically built around a broad topic. Examples include airway, stroke, and orthopaedic trauma. We start the morning with classroom instruction, which can include faculty- or resident-led lecture, research education, and interactive discussion. We then break into small groups for hands-on activities, including simulation and skills lab. An hour of asynchronous education is assigned each week, including a quiz. A hot lunch is provided in the GME Suite at Washington Regional.
Interspersed with these sessions are a series of personal and professional improvement topics that include financial management, career development, and wellness.
We also have a monthly Journal Club that meets offsite, either at a faculty member’s house or at a fun location in Northwest Arkansas.