Health Equity in the Internal Medicine Residency Program

The MUSC Internal Medicine Residency Program and the Department of Medicine are committed to supporting a training an environment that fosters cultural understanding, cultural competency, and opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to recruit, train, and equip physicians to serve diverse communities and acknowledge the significance of aligning our program's demographics with those of the communities we are honored to serve.

We believe the city of Charleston enhances our ability to provide exceptional training through direct engagement with a patient population that is culturally diverse and is home to people from all over the world. Our residency program is committed to fostering an environment of acceptance and unity while supporting the professional growth of trainees from all backgrounds. We are very proud of our current and former trainees and will always be grateful for the lasting impact they have had on our program and our community.

We invite you to explore the MUSC College of Medicine's Diversity website to learn about resources available to current and prospective residents through the College of Medicine.

College of Medicine Virtual Diversity Hangouts

Underrepresented in medicine applicants to all residency and fellowship programs in the MUSC College of Medicine are invited to join Diversity Virtual Hangouts. Hosted by diverse residents and fellows, these informal meetings offer a chance to discuss life at MUSC and in Charleston. The discussions are not specific to any program or department.

Dates: 

• October 23, 2024:  6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• November 14, 2024: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• December 11, 2024: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

To register, applicants must RSVP by completing this form.  Attendees will receive a Zoom link to the virtual meeting a few days prior to the virtual hangout.

Our Health Equity Initiatives

The Internal Medicine Residency program has pursued a number of specific initiatives over the past few years designed to support underrepresented in medicine individuals. Specific examples include:

• At the recruitment stage, we work to recruit students from a wide variety of backgrounds, and ensure that applicants meet with a diverse set of faculty members during their interview process.
• Residents can rotate through our Healthcare Disparities and Advocacy Elective, which involves clinical work at community health sites and promotes engagement in community-based activism.
• Microaggressions/upstander seminar during Intern Orientation.
• Journal Clubs to address topics related to health disparities.
• Diversity Committee dedicated to promoting clinical and research opportunities, community-based projects, mentorship, and cultural events throughout the year.
• Educational conferences dedicated to inclusive excellence topics (e.g., health disparities) are delivered at resident educational conferences and Department of Medicine Grand Rounds.
• Inclusive Excellence training requirements for all faculty, trainees, and staff.
• Virtual happy hours sponsored by the Group on Diversity Affairs during interview season.

Women in Internal Medicine, Science, and Education (WISE)

Our WISE program features quarterly social events for female residents and faculty in the Department of Medicine focusing on leadership, career development, and collegiality. Through this program, we are able to participate in events that foster mentorship within the Internal Medicine department for female residents and faculty.