A Novel Hospital Medicine Training Track for Internal Medicine Residents: Description and Program Evaluation of the First 15 Years

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The growth of hospital medicine has resulted in a parallel growth of hospital medicine training within internal medicine residency programs (IMRPs), but the experience and outcomes of these training offerings have not yet been described. Objective To describe the first dedicated hospitalist track and the program evaluation data. Methods The University of Colorado Hospitalist Training Track (HTT) is a 3-year track within the IMRP with robust inpatient clinical training, specialized didactics, experiential improvement work, and career mentorship. We collected data on graduates' current practices and board certification pass rates. To further evaluate the track, we electronically sent a cross-sectional survey to 124 graduates from 2005 to 2019 to identify current practice settings, graduate roles, and assessment of the training track. Results Among 124 graduates, 97 (78.2%) practice hospital medicine, and the board certification pass rate was slightly higher than the overall IMRP pass rate for those graduating classes. Sixty-two (50%) graduates responded to the survey. Among respondents, 50 (80.6%) currently practice hospital medicine and 34 (54.8%) practice in an academic setting. The majority (50, 80.6%) hold leadership roles and are involved in a variety of scholarship, educational, and operational projects. Dedicated clinical training, didactics, and mentorship were valued by respondents. Conclusions This represents the first description and program evaluation of a HTT for IM residents. A dedicated HTT produces graduates who choose hospital medicine careers at high rates and participate in a wide variety of leadership and nonclinical roles.