Specialty Choice: Internal Medicine-Pediatrics

Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (Med-Peds) physicians tend to the care of patients throughout their life span. Caring for multiple generations of the same family requires an understanding of family dynamics, epidemiology and the impact of acute or chronic illness at all ages, all in the context of family systems. Med-Peds physicians draw from the knowledge and skills of pediatricians and internists to bring breadth and flexibility in their approach to clinical medicine. (Source: AAMC Careers in Medicine)

Associated Societies

Quick Facts

The following information comes from the National Resident Matching Program's Charting Outcomes in the Match 2014 (PDF) based on matched applicants in the United States.

Step score averages:
- Mean Step 1 of U.S. Matched Applicants: 233
- Mean Step 2 CK of U.S. Matched Applicants: 245
Average number of research experiences: 2.4
Average number of abstracts, presentations and publications: 3.2
Work and Volunteer:
- Average number of work experiences: 3.4
- Average number of volunteer experiences: 8.8
Mean number of contiguous ranks of U.S. matched applicants: 9.6

Advice for MS1 and MS2 Students

Q: What particular activities should first and second year students get involved with who are interested in pursuing this specialty?

Use this time to find out if a combined program is a good fit for you. Get involved with the Internal Medicine Interest Group and the Pediatrics Interest Group. Find a physician who is Med-Peds trained and talk to him or her about their career path and what a typical week or month looks like to find out if this is something that interests you.

Q: Are research experiences important in your specialty?

Not necessary but they can always help strengthen an application.

Q: Does class rank matter?

22 percent of U.S. seniors who match in a Med-Peds program are members of AOA. Doing well in the first two years of medical school is always looked on favorably during residency interviews and prepares you to do well on your Step 1 exam.

Advice for MS3 and MS4 Students

Q: When should I ask for letters of recommendation (LORs)?

Ideally you should ask for letters in May but absolutely no later than July, allowing your letter writers adequate time to upload your letter prior to the ERAS application submission date of Sept. 15. Your personal statement and CV should be ready as well as many letter writers will request this in order to write you a strong letter.

Q: How many LORs do you need?

A minimum of three

Q: Is a letter from a chair required?

Yes, most programs will want letters from the chairs of both departments.

Q: Do all letters need to be written by members of this specialty?

You will need a chair letter from each specialty and letters from someone who knows you well in each specialty.

Q: Does your Step 2 CK score matter?

Yes.

Q: What electives would you recommend for someone who is interested in pursuing this specialty?

A sub-internship in Medicine and Pediatrics.

Q: Should a student interested in this specialty do away rotations?

Not necessarily. If you’re looking at a specific program and feel you can perform particularly well while there, then it can help. This is an individual decision.

Q: Which month is recommended to take off to interview?

November-December are when the bulk of interviews occur.

Similar Specialties to Consider

Internal Medicine
Pediatrics

Residency Programs

Length of program: Four years
Number of accredited programs: 79
Transitional year needed: No

Available Fellowships

All fellowships available to pediatrics and internal medicine residents are also available to internal medicine/pediatrics residents.

Looking into the Future/Changes in Health Care

Med-Peds has changed over the years, not just offering ambulatory primary care but, as you will learn, the ability to sub-specialize, participate in global and international health or become a hospitalist. We can also take care of people with child onset illnesses that survive into adulthood (e.g. cystic fibrosis, cancer, sickle cell anemia) or take care of people with adult conditions that now present in childhood (e.g. obesity, Type 2 diabetes) or transitional diseases. (Source: NMPRA, 2013)

Additional Information

Career Services Focus Newsletter:
Boonshoft School of Medicine Residency Program: WSU doesn't have a Med-Peds program.
Boonshoft School of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program Director: Roberto J. Colon, M.D.
Boonshoft School of Medicine Internal Medicine Department Chair: Glen D. Solomon, M.D.
Boonshoft School of Medicine Pediatrics Residency Program Director: Ann E. Burke, M.D.
Boonshoft School of Medicine Pediatrics Department Chair: John C. Duby, M.D.
BSOM Internal Medicine Interest Group
Search for recent Wright State graduates who matched in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
Association of American Medical Colleges Careers in Medicine: Internal Medicine/Pediatrics

See the Career Essentials Pilot Page regarding specialty specific advice for more detailed information and resources.

References

National Med-Peds Residents' Association (NMPRA), 2013. Guide to Med-Peds.

Last edited on 10/04/2016.

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