NYU Langone’s Department of Medicine offers a leading primary care residency track within its Internal Medicine Residency program, designed to cultivate highly skilled and adaptable primary care physicians. This program distinguishes itself through a blend of rigorous inpatient training, a comprehensive primary care curriculum, and diverse outpatient clinical experiences. It is committed to training the next generation of doctors to excel in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape, emphasizing top-tier, holistic patient care tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.
This competitive 3-year primary care residency program accepts a select cohort of 8 residents annually. Training takes place across NYU Langone’s extensive network, including Tisch Hospital, the Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Pavilion, NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur, and the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. This broad exposure ensures residents gain experience in varied healthcare settings, further enhanced by community-based healthcare initiatives and population health studies. A significant portion of the program, approximately 60 percent, is based at Bellevue, with the remaining 40 percent distributed among the other listed locations. Graduates of the program are consistently recognized nationwide for their outstanding clinical preparedness, launching successful careers in academic medicine, community healthcare practices, private sectors, and public service. The program’s NRMP® code is 2978140M0 for applicants using the National Resident Matching Program®.
Primary Care Track: Curriculum & Key Features
The primary care residency curriculum is meticulously structured into blocks, each designed to fulfill specific educational goals. These blocks incorporate interactive learning, independent projects, and resident-led conferences, fostering a dynamic learning environment. The program commences with the ‘Essentials of Primary Care’ (EPIC) block in the first year. This intensive month-long module is an introduction to primary care, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of prevalent illnesses and effective, system-based practice methodologies.
Subsequent blocks broaden the residents’ expertise, encompassing dermatology, gender-specific health, clinical epidemiology, addiction medicine, geriatrics and palliative care, health policy, psychosocial medicine, and musculoskeletal medicine. During ward months, primary care residents are fully integrated into inpatient and ambulatory care rotations within the broader Internal Medicine Residency curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded experience. In their second and third years, residents have a unique opportunity to further personalize their training by selecting a third clinic as part of their ambulatory care block, enriching their primary care skill set and exposure.
Training Locations & Rotations
Image alt text: Diagram illustrating the distribution of training time across various locations for primary care residents in the NYU Langone program, highlighting Bellevue and other affiliated hospitals.
Past residents have benefited from diverse clinical experiences, including rotations in Bellevue clinics specializing in areas such as hemoglobin A1C monitoring and diabetes management, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hepatitis, care for survivors of torture, the World Trade Center Health Program for first responders, and virology and HIV. Additional clinic experiences have included rotations at the acupuncture and urology clinics within NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur, the NYU Student Health Clinic, and various private medical practices. The program also emphasizes professional development through opportunities such as giving an annual lecture on a chosen topic, critiqued by peers and faculty, and participation in various conferences and events tailored for the primary care residency track. Resident progress is continuously monitored to facilitate ongoing professional growth. NYU Langone maintains a favorable one-to-three faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention and high-quality educational experiences for all residents within these Primary Care Residency Programs.
Postgraduate Year 1: Foundational Skills
The first postgraduate year (PGY-1) of this primary care residency program is strategically focused on cultivating core clinical skills vital for becoming a proficient primary care physician. Interns are trained in deductive reasoning, establishing consistent patient care, developing crucial psychosocial skills, and building effective working relationships with colleagues and support staff.
Essentials of Primary Care 1.0 Block: Core Concepts
The initial primary care block, Essentials of Primary Care 1.0, is a four-week intensive training module. It immerses residents in the diagnosis and management of common clinical conditions, including prevalent issues such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, hyperlipidemia, depression, and hepatitis B. The curriculum also covers common acute complaints, effective utilization of interpreter services, electronic medical records systems, and team-building strategies.
Through a variety of pedagogical approaches, including problem-based case studies, interactive learning sessions, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), video review, and traditional lectures, residents develop the skills necessary to effectively manage the broad spectrum of general primary care for patients. The primary objective of this block is to establish a strong foundation in the pillars of primary care and to initiate clinical practice with a focus on instilling best practices from the outset of their primary care residency programs.
Sample Essentials of Primary Care 1.0 Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intern Core | Grand Rounds | Clinical Reasoning Conference | |||
| AM | NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Clinic | Diabetes Overview | Effective Communication with Patients | Bellevue Clinic | Problem-Based Learning: Lipid Management |
| Diabetes Case Discussion | Management of Dyspepsia | The Well Visit | |||
| 12:00PM | Psychosocial Rounds | Journal Club | Essentials of Primary Care Clinicians | ||
| PM | Gouverneur Clinic | Gouverneur Clinic | Problem-Based Learning: Hypertension | Panel Management | NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Clinic |
| 3PM Conference |
Psychosocial Medicine Block: Patient-Doctor Dynamics
The psychosocial medicine block is an eight-week module dedicated to exploring the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship, medical ethics, and the psychosocial dimensions of patient care. Residents gain mastery in the knowledge and skills required to manage common psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and somatization. Teaching methodologies are diverse and engaging, incorporating group interviews, role-playing exercises, audio and video recording analysis, and learner-centered techniques to foster a comprehensive understanding of these critical aspects of patient care within primary care residency programs.
Addiction Medicine Block: Addressing Substance Use Disorders
In the two-week addiction medicine block, residents gain insights into substance use disorders from both clinical and public health perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, including pharmacotherapy and motivational interviewing techniques, crucial for effectively treating individuals with these disorders. Residents also receive specialized training in prescribing buprenorphine and participate in rotations at primary care buprenorphine clinics, providing hands-on experience in addressing the opioid crisis and related substance use challenges within primary care settings.
Self-Directed Learning: Personalized Education
The self-directed learning block is a unique feature available each year of the residency training. This two-week block empowers residents to choose or design their own learning experience in a specialty area of their interest. These experiences can range from clinical rotations to research projects and quality improvement initiatives. Many residents utilize this opportunity to delve into areas that align with their specific interests and are not extensively covered elsewhere in their core training. Others may choose to prepare for the unique challenges associated with specific primary care settings, such as rural or underserved communities. Past resident experiences have included focused studies on social justice in medicine and courses in the medical humanities, demonstrating the flexibility and personalized nature of these primary care residency programs.
Postgraduate Year 2: Ambulatory Care & Evidence-Based Practice
During the second postgraduate year (PGY-2), the primary care residency program shifts focus towards refining ambulatory care skills and integrating evidence-based medicine with clinical practice. This is achieved through a diverse array of outpatient experiences, designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the first year.
Essentials of Primary Care 2.0: Advanced Concepts
The four-week Essentials of Primary Care 2.0 block builds upon the concepts introduced in the first year’s Essentials of Primary Care 1.0, delving deeper into the core principles of internal medicine. While the first year may have covered essential hypertension, Essentials of Primary Care 2.0 explores more complex forms of the disease, including secondary causes and resistant hypertension. Furthermore, residents begin to develop teaching skills, discussing and practicing effective teaching strategies applicable in ward settings, preparing them for future roles in medical education and leadership within primary care residency programs and beyond.
Musculoskeletal Medicine: Neurological & Rheumatic Conditions
This two-week musculoskeletal medicine block concentrates on neurological, rheumatologic, and sports medicine complaints commonly encountered in primary care settings. Residents enhance their abilities to evaluate and treat a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Teaching modules are designed to refine skills in performing musculoskeletal exams and basic procedures, including joint injections. Specialty clinic rotations take place at both NYU Langone Health and NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical environments within these primary care residency programs.
Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Decision-Making: Research Foundations
The six-week Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Decision-Making course provides the fundamental knowledge of evidence-based medicine. Residents learn to critically assess medical literature, apply quantitative decision-making techniques, and formulate and answer clinical research questions effectively. The course culminates in a research project, with many residents presenting their work at national medical meetings, showcasing the program’s commitment to fostering research skills and scholarly activity within primary care residency programs.
Gender Health: Sexuality & Gender-Based Healthcare
During the four-week gender health course, residents expand and refine their knowledge of health issues specific to gender and sexuality through a combination of clinical experiences and interactive workshops. Resident- and faculty-led learning sessions and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) cover critical topics such as sexuality and sexual dysfunction, health considerations within the LGBTQ+ community, contraception, menopause, infertility, common gynecological problems, and gender-specific cancer screening. This comprehensive approach ensures residents are well-versed in providing sensitive and informed care to diverse patient populations within primary care residency programs.
Sample Gender Health Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rounds | PGY-2 Resident Core | Clinical Reasoning Conference | |||
| AM | Reproductive Health Clinic | Prostate Health Lecture | Cervical Cancer Screening Lecture | Urology Clinic | Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Case Discussion |
| Endocrinology Clinic | Contraception Lecture | Osteoporosis Lecture | |||
| Transgender Health Lecture | |||||
| 12:00PM | Psychosocial Rounds | Journal Club | |||
| PM | Bellevue Clinic | NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Pap Test Clinic | Women’s Health Continuity Time | Home Visits | NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Clinic |
| 3PM Conference |
Global Health Electives: International Perspectives
Global health electives, available as two- or four-week clinical, research, or teaching experiences abroad, are accessible to second- and third-year residents through NYU Grossman School of Medicine or external institutions. Residents are also encouraged to design their own global health experiences. These electives offer invaluable opportunities to gain international perspectives on healthcare delivery, broaden their understanding of global health challenges, and enhance their cultural competency, enriching their training within primary care residency programs. More information on applying for global health electives is available through the program’s resources.
Dermatology: Outpatient Focus
Residents spend two weeks in high-volume outpatient dermatology clinics at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System and Bellevue. This rotation focuses on the diagnosis and management of common dermatological conditions and procedures frequently encountered in primary care settings. The hands-on experience in these clinics enhances their ability to address dermatological issues effectively in their future primary care practices.
Community and Home Medicine: Social Determinants of Health
The Community and Home Medicine block is a two-week module designed to deepen residents’ understanding of the social determinants of health and develop skills for providing care to patients in their homes. A key component of this block is a community health research project, involving conducting home visits with patients and exploring the health dynamics of a chosen community. This experience emphasizes the importance of addressing social factors influencing health outcomes within primary care residency programs.
Postgraduate Year 3: Leadership & Advanced Expertise
The third postgraduate year (PGY-3) of the primary care residency program is focused on solidifying the resident’s knowledge base, refining leadership and teaching skills, and further developing clinical expertise in specific areas of interest. This final year prepares residents for independent practice and leadership roles in primary care.
Essentials of Primary Care 3.0: Advanced Disease Management
In Essentials of Primary Care 3.0, residents engage in in-depth investigations of landmark studies, discuss strategies for managing patients with advanced diseases and multiple comorbidities, and participate in a deliberative practice curriculum to hone their patient interviewing skills. Recognizing the transition to independent practice, this block also includes practical sessions such as a CV-drafting workshop and Q&A sessions with residency alumni who provide valuable insights into job applications and working in internal medicine post-residency, ensuring a smooth transition from primary care residency programs to professional careers.
Research Practicum: Independent Research
The Research Practicum is a two-week immersive experience where residents conduct a research project from initiation to completion. Building upon the skills developed during the Clinical Epidemiology block, residents work collaboratively with a research team to analyze datasets, formulate research questions, and develop solutions. With guidance from research faculty, residents collaborate to write research abstracts and submit papers for publication, further fostering their research capabilities and contributing to scholarly output within primary care residency programs.
Health Policy and Economics: Advocacy & Healthcare Systems
The six-week Health Policy and Economics course is designed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates for their patients and to influence policy decisions shaping the healthcare system. Taught by NYU Langone faculty, politicians, managed care executives, and hospital administrators, the course is structured as a seminar series culminating in a health advocacy project. Lobbying trips to Albany, New York, and Washington, D.C., provide firsthand experience in meeting with state and federal representatives to advocate for policy changes on specific health issues. Past resident projects have addressed diverse topics such as:
- Formal incentives for recruiting primary care physicians to underserved areas.
- State legislation mandating palliative care offerings in all hospitals.
- Presumed consent for organ donation.
- Reimbursement for advanced care planning discussions between healthcare providers and critically ill patients.
- Medicare-supported residency positions.
This robust curriculum ensures graduates are not only excellent clinicians but also informed and engaged advocates within primary care residency programs.
Geriatrics and Palliative Care: Caring for Elderly & Terminally Ill Patients
In the two-week Geriatrics and Palliative Care block, residents master the specialized skills needed to care for elderly and terminally ill patients. Training includes rotations in geriatric clinics, conducting home visits, participating in didactic learning sessions, and field trips to nursing homes and hospice care settings. Palliative care topics are explored through patient consultations and lectures, providing a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care within primary care residency programs.
Musculoskeletal Medicine: Advanced Topics
This two-week Musculoskeletal Medicine block, revisited in the PGY-3 year, further advances residents’ ability to evaluate and treat neurological, rheumatologic, and sports medicine complaints commonly seen in primary care. Teaching modules further refine musculoskeletal exam techniques and procedural skills like joint injections. Specialty clinic rotations in this advanced block take place at private orthopedic and rheumatology practices and Bellevue, offering diverse clinical settings for advanced learning within primary care residency programs.
Leadership and Professionalism: Developing Future Leaders
The four-week Leadership and Professionalism course is designed to cultivate teaching and leadership skills aligned with residents’ career development priorities. The curriculum covers essential topics such as precepting, running effective meetings, and effectively working with medical students, preparing residents for leadership roles within academic and clinical settings after completing their primary care residency programs.
Conferences and Events: Collaborative Learning
All residents in the primary care residency track at NYU Grossman School of Medicine participate in a variety of resident-led conferences and events alongside their peers and faculty. These educational experiences encompass case discussions, interactive seminars, bedside rounds, and didactic lectures, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment. Conferences are recorded, and residents participate in video reviews of their performance, receiving constructive feedback to enhance their teaching and presentation skills within primary care residency programs.
3PM Conference: Resident Presentations
During the 90-minute 3PM Conference, residents hone their lecturing and teaching skills by presenting on a topic of their choosing to their colleagues. Faculty members provide guidance in developing their talks, and attendees evaluate each presentation, providing structured feedback to the presenter.
Essentials for Primary Care Conference: Core Topic Exploration
In the 45-minute Essentials for Primary Care Conference, residents select from a curated list of core EPIC topics and prepare a focused lesson for their colleagues. The format is adaptable, but lectures typically emphasize knowledge and skills directly applicable to outpatient settings, reinforcing practical learning within primary care residency programs.
Psychosocial Case Conference: Challenging Cases & Strategies
The weekly Psychosocial Case Conference provides a platform for residents to review complex patient cases, discuss diagnostic challenges, and engage in conversations that reinforce and advance the skills developed during the PGY-1 psychosocial medicine block. Working collaboratively, residents develop effective patient care management strategies, debrief on challenging cases, and deepen their clinical knowledge of psychosocial medicine topics relevant to primary care residency programs.
Clinical Reasoning Case Conference: Patient Management Discussions
Primary care residents on ambulatory blocks participate in the weekly Clinical Reasoning Case Conference. This morning conference provides a forum for discussing patient cases and related clinical reasoning and patient management questions, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills essential for primary care practice.
Journal Club: Evidence-Based Medicine in Practice
During the weekly Journal Club conference, residents apply structured, evidence-based evaluation methods to current medical literature. Each resident prepares one or two presentations annually in an interactive conference format, promoting critical appraisal skills and the integration of research into clinical practice within primary care residency programs.
Primary Care Retreat: Program Reflection & Innovation
Faculty and residents participate in an annual two-day primary care retreat to collectively review and reflect on the residency program and brainstorm potential improvements. Considered a highlight of the year, the retreat catalyzes both fine-tuning and significant innovations within the program, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and resident input in shaping primary care residency programs.
National and Regional Meetings: Professional Development & Networking
Third-year medical residents and those with research projects accepted for presentation as abstracts or posters receive departmental funding to travel to national meetings. Financial support is also provided for residents to participate in training courses in New York City and attend regional conferences and other local meetings, fostering professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure to the broader medical community for residents in primary care residency programs.
Contact Us
The primary care residency track is under the direction of Jennifer G. Adams, MD. For further details about these primary care residency programs, please contact us at [email protected].
For more information about graduate medical education programs at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and for resources for incoming and current house staff, please visit the provided links.
