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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Residents participating in the Internal Medicine Residency Program can apply for additional training tracks, including primary care, clinical education, global health and research.

Training Pathways

illustration of a path leading into a setting sun

One of the benefits of training in a large, robust academic setting is the access to additional broad areas of study. Motivated residents in the Internal Medicine Residency program have the option to pursue additional training driven by their unique areas of interest. These tracks are optional as they do require additional attendance at curricular sessions as well as assignments and possible completion of a capstone project.

Most are two year programs and will solicit applications from trainees in good standing in the spring of their intern year, giving residents time to settle into training and identify their interests. Many of these tracks are overseen by our Graduate Medical Education (GME) office and are open to trainees in multiple specialties, encouraging multidisciplinary work. Some tracks are only available within the Internal Medicine Residency program.

GME Training Pathways

  • Global Health Pathway
  • Clinician-Educator Training Pathway
  • Health Equity Training Pathway
  • Leadership Training Pathway
  • Other non-clinical opportunities

Learn more about the GME Training Pathways

Internal Medicine Residency Pathways

  • Primary Care Track
  • ABIM Research Pathway
  • Combined Internal Medicine Geriatrics Track (coming in 2025)

Primary Care Track

resident physician sitting in clinic

The primary care track is designed to optimize residency training to prepare residents for careers in primary care. Schedules are modified for at least 50% ambulatory training with fewer ICU rotations and expanded opportunities for outpatient electives including endocrinology, sports medicine, dermatology, and community practice. During select rotations, they are assigned to a second continuity clinic which can be customized to their clinical interest. Residents complete online primary care modules and periodic didactics or journal clubs as part of the curriculum.

Learn more about the Primary Care Track

Testimonial

While looking at different residency options, I was intrigued by IU School of Medicine's primary care track and flexibility in scheduling outpatient rotations that I thought would be useful to a future outpatient doctor. I applied to the primary care track my intern year and enjoyed how the track allowed me to have a second half-day of continuity clinic during my non-ward months in a different clinic setting with a new mentor. The bimonthly meetings and didactics were nice to meet in a smaller group with people with similar interests as me, especially being in a large internal medicine program, where most people choose to further specialize or pursue inpatient medicine. The camaraderie and mentorship from the track coupled with the diverse clinical experiences have been helpful in my current role as a primary care physician.

ABIM Research Pathway

Our Internal Medicine Residency Program supports ABIM's approved research pathway that allows qualified candidates dedicated to pursuing a clinician scientist career to complete shortened residency training duration combined with protected research time and entry into specific sub-specialty fellowships at IU. With a few exceptions, most successful trainees in this pathway already possess substantial research experience at the level of a PhD or an equivalent. This requires the coordinated approval and efforts of the desired sub-specialty fellowship program director with the internal medicine residency program director.

Learn more about the ABIM Research Pathway

Testimonial

Immediately after being accepted to Internal Medicine Residency at IU School of Medicine, I discussed my interest in research and desire to pursue a Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship (PCCM) through this pathway with the internal medicine program director, who immediately connected me with the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship program director with eventual direct acceptance into the fellowship outside of the match process with ABIM approval. During residency, I was assisted by both programs to match me with a research mentor with similar interests and a track record of success in obtaining funding and history of clinically significant publications. After completing my shortened pathway through residency (24 months), I was able to begin my clinical fellowship training in PCCM starting with 12 clinical months (of the 18 required) during which I worked with the program leadership and my research mentor to plan my upcoming 3-3.5 year research plan. During my clinical training in fellowship, I was provided with a healthy mix of autonomy and support as appropriate to become proficient and comfortable in clinical practice. Upon starting my research project, I had an established plan with multiple anticipated publications that I am currently working on. My next few years will be dedicated to research (with interspersed clinical months and weekly pulmonary continuity clinic) allowing me to gather data and produce publications to establish myself in the field with the ultimate goal of becoming a funded translational medicine physician scientist at an academic institution where I can pursue my research interests and practice PCCM clinically.

I chose to do pursue this pathway after already completing an MD/PhD since I have a significant interest in research. My ultimate goal is to obtain independent NIH funding and lead a research group of my own. Through the support and facilities I have been provided from this program, I am confident that I will be successful. If you have a significant research in pursuing research after completion of residency, I strongly recommend this pathway as it will provide you with the training and support required to succeed in today's competitive research environment.