Frequently Asked Questions
How many residents are in each class?
Each class consists of 9 residents.
How long are ED shifts?
Residents work 12-hour shifts at the main site of Hillcrest Medical Center. Shifts at the other EDs vary from 8-12 hours.
How do resident responsibilities change as they advance through residency?
OU does not train through graduated responsibility in which more junior residents are not seeing the higher acuity patients. From the first day of intern year, our residents care for patients at all levels of acuity and complexity and perform any indicated procedures. What varies is the method of instruction, with closer and hands-on supervision from attending faculty early in training, and more high-level discussion around the finer points of medical decision making later in training.
Is there an emphasis on wellness at OUDEM?
Yes, we take wellness very seriously at OU. Intern orientation is designed to incorporate social experiences as well as educational programming, to give incoming classes time to settle in, get to know each other, and explore the city of Tulsa. Throughout the year, the residency incorporates wellness days into the curriculum and sponsors both small and large group activities for residents to bond, have fun, discuss challenges, and receive support. The faculty actively support residents when personal struggles or family emergencies arise and work confidentially with residents to support them though challenging periods. Additionally, OU offers free and confidential counseling services to all residents.
Is trauma integrated into the ED or a separate rotation?
Residents rotate on the trauma service at St. John, one of the two trauma centers in Tulsa where they receive concentrated training on trauma care. They also participate in the care of trauma patients during ED rotations at St. John and St. Francis, the other trauma center in Tulsa. Additionally, trauma patients occasionally come to Hillcrest ED by private vehicle and are managed by our ED residents and faculty without a dedicated trauma service.
How much pediatrics exposure do residents get?
Pediatric patients are seen at the main clinical site, Hillcrest Medical Center, which does not have a separated pediatric ED, so pediatrics is integrated into the primary ED training site. Residents also rotate at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City for a month during intern year, and then about 13 shifts scheduled longitudinally throughout third year. Second years have a month in the PICU at St. Francis.
Is simulation a part of the curriculum?
Yes, we have a state-of-the-art simulation center with simulations integrated into the didactic curriculum. Faculty can also work with residents on supplemental simulations for procedures or additional practice as desired.
Is moonlighting allowed?
Starting at the midpoint of PGY-2, residents who meet certain criteria are allowed to moonlight. The majority of our residents participate in moonlighting.
When can I apply? When will I hear anything about my application?
Initial interview offers are sent out on in mid-October. We never send out more invites than we have spots, and will always give ample time for you to respond and plan accordingly.
What is required in ERAS to apply?
At least one EM SLOE, either COMLEX or USMLE 1 completion, your MSPE, CV, other Letters of Recommendation, and an otherwise completed ERAS file. We have no cutoffs, we do not filter, and we will review every single application sent to us.
