Education and Conferences

RESIDENT CONFERENCE SERIES: The Resident Core Conference series is held Monday through Friday at both University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Conferences are aimed at enhancing core medical knowledge, developing diagnostic reasoning, and promoting principles of life-long learning.

  • CASE PRESENTATIONS: During this interactive conference, a case is presented by the Chief Resident or by the admitting resident. As the case unfolds, residents comment on differential diagnoses, work-up, and management strategy. Discussions vary and may focus on initial patient evaluation, clinical reasoning skills, diagnosis or management.
  • CORE TOPICS in INTERNAL MEDICINE: This lecture series at both hospitals is designed to address clinical topics relevant to the practice of general internal medicine and subspecialties.
  • JOURNAL CLUB: Once each month, residents meet for Journal Club for a critical appraisal of 1-2 articles. Assigned residents lead the discussion with facilitation from faculty.  The purpose of Journal Club is to practice careful dissection/evaluation of the current literature.

AMBULATORY BLOCK CONFERENCE: Weekly small group learning sessions during the ambulatory block complement the residents’ practical experiences and comprise the ambulatory block curriculum. Seminars are designed to enhance knowledge and skills in the principles of evidence-based medicine including literature searching, critical appraisal and evidence-based decision-making as well as in other selected core topics of primary care medicine.

INTERNAL MEDICINE GRAND ROUNDS: This weekly traditional conference provides an opportunity for the entire department to come together for an academic discussion which may range from innovative developments to comprehensive updates on key topics in internal medicine. In addition, monthly clinical pathological conferences will address undesirable outcomes and highlight opportunities for systems based improvements. Focus will be on case management, systematic problem-solving and prevention to promote understanding and learning.

SUBSPECIALTY CONFERENCES: Each of the subspecialty divisions have regularly scheduled conferences. Residents scheduled for subspecialty rotations attend and may even present at one of these sessions. Subspecialty conferences are open to all residents.  

 BOARD REVIEW: Residents meet weekly with a faculty facilitator to work through MKSAP board review questions as a group. The facilitator assigned is a subspecialist in the topic of the session, and reinforces clinical reasoning, key points and test taking strategies.

Annually, a faculty member from each subspecialty provides an in-depth review of internal medicine topics tailored to preparation for the American Board of Internal Medicine Certification Exam. These review sessions are open to all residents of the program at any level of training.

HOUSE STAFF MEETINGS: Once per month the residents meet with the program directors and chief residents to receive updates on anticipated changes and give feedback and suggestions regarding the program.