Specialized Pathways

Unique learning opportunities

Training opportunities in the Internal Medicine Residency Program are provided along four separate tracks and are designed to meet the varied needs of the post-graduate trainee, with additional specialty pathways available.

Training Tracks

• Categorical Internal Medicine: The categorical program provides comprehensive training in internal medicine and the subspecialties in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Our goal is to combine the best features of categorical and primary care training into a single, flexible program that can be adapted to the evolving career goals of the trainee. 
• Physician-Scientist Training Program: Residents who are firmly committed to a research career in academic medicine may apply to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Research Pathway. This program allows residents to enter into their academic discipline after two years of clinical residency training. Applicants interested in the research pathway must check the "Research" box on the ERAS application. 
• Preliminary Medicine: Preliminary internships are available to a limited number of qualified applicants who wish to take a single year of general medicine training in preparation for a career in another specialty.
• Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics: The combined internal medicine/pediatrics program is a four-year program leading to Board certification in both disciplines. Applications for the combined medicine/pediatric program are through ERAS.

Specialized Pathways

• EXCellence In TEaching Pathway: The EXCITE Pathway is a longitudinal curriculum that aims to develop knowledge and skills in medical education and teaching to complement and enhance clinical excellence and scientific discovery.
• Hospital Medicine (HM) Pathway: The HM Pathway provides residents who are pursuing a career as a hospitalist a longitudinal curriculum with exposure to electives and rotations within the Section of Hospital Medicine. Additionally, the pathway will provide one-on-one mentorship, career planning, access to HM Grand Rounds, and an opportunity to present research, quality improvement, or a case presentation during a HM Grand Rounds as a PGY3. 
• R38 StARR Program, Stimulating Access to Research in Residency: The Internal Medicine Residency Program is committed to training the next generation of leading physician-investigators with a mentored training program (R38StARR) for residents possessing both the aptitude and passion to become a new generation of basic, clinical and translational clinician-scientists.
• Global Health: The Internal Medicine Global Health Pathway gives residents formalized access to global health expertise and resources of Vanderbilt Health, coordinated through the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH). The VIGH facilitates the expansion and coordination of global health research, technical assistance, and training initiatives at Vanderbilt Health and reflects the institution’s commitment to improving health services and outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Certificate Programs

• Distinction in Biomedical Ethics: This acknowledges advanced training and experience in clinical bioethics. This distinction is granted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) after successful completion of a curriculum coordinated through the Vanderbilt Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society (CBMES). The program seeks to enhance physician leadership in clinical knowledge, practical competency and institutional infrastructure for healthcare ethics.
• Certificate in LGBTQ+ Health: This certificate provides advanced training and experience to better equip residents and fellows to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ adults, and to improve their experience interfacing with the health care system.