Categorical Program

Overview

The Mass General Categorical Program is purposely designed to build professional skills over three years. Each year teaches fundamental skills that build on themselves the following year. The PGY-1 (intern) year focuses on clinical skills and team building. PGY-2 (Junior/JAR) year adds leadership building to teamwork, and advanced clinical skills in ICU settings. The PGY-3 (Senior/SAR) year teaches hospital and systems level management skills and prepares residents for your future careers. Given the fundamental importance of education, teaching skills are interwoven throughout all three years.

Program Structure

Intern Year

Interns in the Categorical Program learn the basics of patient evaluation and management through a combination of inpatient, ambulatory and elective rotations. This is enhanced by additional learning experience such as simulation, didactics and guidance from mentors, firm chiefs, chief residents and program leadership.

While each categorical intern’s schedule may vary, the following provides an overview of the core rotations for the year:

Junior Year

The junior year teaches core principles of leadership by focusing on leading inpatient teams on the Bigelow-Flex Service. In this role junior residents supervise patient care and provide education for interns and medical students. Significant time is also spent in the cardiology and medical intensive care units, where residents acquire advanced clinical skills. More elective time affords junior residents the opportunity to explore clinical subspecialties and research interests, as well as optional away experiences.

While each categorical junior resident’s schedule may vary, the following provides an overview of the core rotations for the year:

Senior Year

The senior year of residency is weighted toward hospital-wide leadership roles, including the intensive care and oncology units, the code team and the community hospital. Considerable time is spent providing education for junior residents, interns and medical students. Seniors also spend several weeks as medical consultants for the surgical and other non-medical services. Substantial elective time during the senior year is available to allow the pursuit of research opportunities and for career preparation. Many choose to arrange an international experience.

While each categorical senior resident’s schedule may vary, the following provides an overview of the core rotations for the year:

Resident Development and Roadmap

While each resident’s growth and development is unique, the Categorical Program at Mass General is designed to help each resident gain skills that will set them up for a successful leadership career in medicine. Mass General resident development follows a roadmap with each year designed to teach fundamental skills that builds on themselves. Residents benefit from guidance offered by various mentors, coaches and colleagues.

Application Process

All applications for the Categorical Program are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). All interested applicants should select the Mass General Categorical Program (NRMP # #1261140C0) on their ERAS application. The deadline for applications is September 24, 2024, midnight EST. All invitations to interview will be granted no later than November 30, 2024.

With multiple tracks available within the Internal Medicine Residency Program, we encourage applicants to explore the different opportunities available and apply to the program(s) that best match your interests. Applicants interested in the Categorical Program can simultaneously apply for the Primary Care program. Your application will be reviewed by screeners in each program you have selected.

If you are interested in the Physician Scientist Program (PSP), applicants should apply directly to the Stanbury PSTP Internal Medicine Residency Program (NRMP # 1261140C2) via ERAS.

Full application details can be found here.

Faculty and Staff

William Kormos, MD
Program Director

Gabby Mills
Director of Residency Administration

Rachel Bukis
Residency Program Manager

Libby Cunningham 
Education and Technology Program Manager

Diane Ford
Ambulatory Program Manager

Laura Ricci
Primary Care Program Coordinator

Katerina Patras
PSP Program Coordinator

Hannah Burks-Rodriguez
Program Coordinator

Paula Prout
Administrative Assistant

Kelly Buchanan, Michael Kelly, Sarah Kler, Karina Ruiz-Esteves
Chief Residents

The full list of associate program directors, firm chiefs and core educators can be found here.