Curriculum

Continuity Experiences in General/Geriatric Primary Care
Throughout all 4 years, residents will have their primary care continuity clinic at the VA Portland Maine CBOC, which is located in close proximity to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. This continuity experience will be staffed by a Geriatrician and other general internists. IM-Ger residents will also have a longitudinal nursing home experience that continues through all 4 years of training, as well as experiences with the VA’s rural telehealth program. 

Teaching Conferences
IM-Ger PGY1-3 residents will have access to 1-2 hours each week of Geriatric Medicine interprofessional conferences while on their clinic blocks and ambulatory experiences. PGY-4 will have access to the geriatrics didactics every week. The Geriatric Medicine content includes: Case conferences (including M&M); CORE conferences; Geriatrics QI and Research meetings and journal clubs. PGY-4’s will also have weekly dedicated time to engage in independent study or to work on their QI/research projects. IM-Ger residents in PGY1-3 will also attend intern report, morning report, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, and the IM academic half-day conference with their IM resident peers. 

Scholarly Activity
IM-Ger residents will be required to complete a scholarly project during their residency in addition to being involved in departmental QI. There are also opportunities for engaging in other scholarly activities such as teaching/curriculum development. IM-Ger residents are encouraged to present at and attend at least one national conference during their 4 years. There is also ample opportunity to attend local Geriatric medicine and Internal Medicine conferences, including the Dirigo-Maine Geriatrics Society (affiliate of AGS); the Maine Gerontological Society meetings and the annual Maine ACP chapter meeting. 

Rural Experiences
Through our partnerships with the rural health networks of VA Maine and MaineHealth, IM-Ger residents will complete rotations each year in rural medicine, with a focus on the delivery of geriatric medicine in smaller communities. 

Curriculum Structure 
For the first three years, our curriculum is organized in a “4+2” block scheduling format, which features alternating blocks of 4 weeks (predominately inpatient service blocks, night float, consult rotations, and electives) and 2 weeks (predominately continuity clinic, outpatient medical specialties, quality improvement, administrative time, and vacation). Fourth year curriculum is organized as four week rotations.

First Year: 4 + 2 Schedule Format

Second Year: 4 + 2 Schedule Format

Third Year: 4 + 2 Schedule Format

Fourth Year

* Includes four weeks of vacation

Fourth Year Continuity Experiences:

• Bi-Monthly VA Continuity/Geri Clinic
• Weekly Geriatric Assessment Center
• Weekly Nursing Home Continuity
• Bi-Monthly Assisted Living