Letter from the Program Director    

Dear Prospective Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the Case Western Reserve University / MetroHealth Medical Center / Cleveland Clinic Emergency Medicine residency program. Our goal is to provide excellent patient care and to help you to become the best, most well-rounded Emergency Medicine specialist possible.

I have a special interest in the Case Western Reserve University / MetroHealth Medical Center / Cleveland Clinic Emergency Medicine residency program. I joined the residency as an intern in 1991-- in our first full class -- and have remained ever since. I am totally committed to this residency and believe learning and practicing Emergency Medicine should be fun. This is one of the most exciting, competitive and innovative programs in the country.

Emergency Medicine is best learned in the Emergency Department. Our program provides residents the opportunity to learn at two nationally renowned institutions. Residents are exposed to the best of both county and private community hospital settings. The unique nature of our dual settings offers the broadest clinical training available in emergency medicine. One will have exceptional exposure and training in critical care, trauma and ultrasound. The range of pathology is astounding.

Residents are exposed to over thirty-five board certified Emergency Medicine attendings with diverse interests and backgrounds. Research opportunities abound. Specific areas of expertise include asthma, geriatrics, trauma, cardiology, ultrasound and evidence-based medicine. We have dedicated research nurses at both sites. Residents are encouraged to participate in any of the many ongoing studies.

Our curriculum is innovative, interactive and includes direct observation, bedside teaching, rigorous didactic and small group sessions. Monthly journal clubs provide critical appraisal of the literature. Teaching of ultrasound is state of the art and offered by nationally recognized faculty.  We have an on-site simulation experience quarterly for learning critical lift-saving skills. Residents are involved in teaching medical students from Case Western Reserve University.

Residents enjoy a great quality of life in Cleveland. Cost of living is low, while recreational and cultural activities are abundant. Professional sports include football, baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. Lake Erie provides an opportunity for all types of water sports and recreation. Some of the more cultural opportunities include the world famous Cleveland Orchestra, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, Natural History Museum and Great Lakes Science Center.

MetroHealth Medical Center built a new, seventy-four bed Emergency Department with an observation unit in June, 2004. New faculty has been hired over the past year to staff our facility. As of 2002, the Department of Emergency Medicine has received departmental status at Case Western Reserve University.

Thank you for your inquiry into our residency. We look forward to helping you develop the clinical, academic and personal skills you will need to succeed. Best wishes for success in your medical career.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Pennington, MD, FACEP
Program Director

Case Western Reserve University/MetroHealth/Cleveland Clinic Foundation Emergency Medicine Residency