Intern Orientation Program (IOP)

During first year, the entire month of July focuses on getting the new class geared up to start residency. The concentration of the month is on active, hands on learning. There is time spent in the SIM lab focusing on ultrasound and procedures. The incoming class spends about six shifts in the ED getting their feet wet including a special nursing shift learning about the RNs role in our ED and practicing IV’s. The month includes days devoted to ATLS and PALS so that you don’t have to gain these competencies on your own time. Lastly, weekly lectures on basics like abdominal pain, EKGs, and pediatric fever not only help the interns brush up on knowledge but also gives them a chance to meet the faculty in an intimate setting.

The month is set up so that there is time to get settled in DC and to get to know your new class. You can actually be at home when the cable guy says he’ll be there between noon and 5, and you might even be able to spend an entire afternoon at the DMV getting your new DC license. Best of all, you will be free to spend some evenings getting some good grub and checking out the local watering holes with your new colleagues.

Summer Retreat

In July, all of the residents and a number of the faculty venture over to the Bolger Center. A short trip from DC, it is a quiet resort and conference center set on a scenic 83 acres. Everyone is excused from shifts, and the faculty are kind of enough to cover ED for the two days. We spend the time working on team building activities, checking out the resorts’ activities (running trails, gym, pool), and just catching up on some ZZZ’s. In the evening, there is a special dinner celebrating the accomplishments of the prior year and what we have to look forward to in the upcoming year.

Winter Retreat

Immediately following the in-service exam in February, all of the residents are excused from clinical shifts and off-service rotations for the winter retreat—two days devoted to unwinding and spending some quality time with each other away from the hospital. In years past, we have gone skiing and snow tubing at the Whitetail Ski Resort, just a short drive away from DC in the Tuscarora Mountains of Pennsylvania.