Contact Us
For more information, please contact our program coordinator.
Welcome from our Program Director
Welcome to our Transitional Year Residency Program at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville, Florida! Our program is affiliated with the University of Central Florida School of Medicine in Orlando. Our program faculty strive to recruit a diverse array of applicants who require a Transitional Year internship prior to beginning their secondary specialty program.
Mission Statement
The HCA Florida North Florida Hospital Transitional Year program's mission is to develop the next generation of physicians and physician leaders.
As a part of HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
This program is designed to offer residents a rewarding, educational environment where residents are provided individualized learning opportunities by faculty and staff who support and sustain one another throughout quality care delivery. Our faculty are committed to ensuring the residents' clinical experience and educational needs are fulfilled while expanding residents’ perspectives to be inclusive of cultures, values, and ideals.
Program Overview
- Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
- Medical school affiliation: University of Central Florida (UCF) School of Medicine
- Program type: community-based
- Resident positions: 12 residents accepted per year
- Curriculum/rotation: patient care, research, community service and leadership amid a backdrop of physicians practices and hospital clinical services.
The Transitional Year Residency Program is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience in an integrated health care delivery system. The residency endorses a team approach to patient care and progressive levels of independent decision-making in order to prepare interns for their future residency program training.
We are ACGME accredited for up to 12 residents per year. Our program will evaluate resident performance based on ACGME’s Transitional Year Milestones. We complete evaluations regularly throughout the year.
The program promotes and supports shared responsibility by both residents and attending staff in a collegial and intellectually stimulating environment that imparts knowledge and skills in the areas of patient care, research, community service and leadership. The program works collaboratively with physician practices and hospital clinical services.
Our hospital is part of the UCF/HCA Healthcare Consortium. It is a 510-bed facility that specializes in cardiovascular, oncologic, neuroscience, orthopedic, surgical, and women’s health services.
Program Details
- 15 days paid vacation per year for PGY1 residents
- 10 days paid sick time per year
- Up to five days continuing education (Conference attendance, residency interviews, board review, etc.)
- Denial of a specific request for vacation is a leadership decision on the part of the officers of the program and is not considered a grievance
It is strongly encouraged that residents review the board eligibility requirements for their own specialty. Many boards require 33 months of training. Paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick) cannot be accumulated or carried over from contract year to contract year. It is at the discretion of the program director to require verification from a clinical provider.
Our Human Resources website for UCF provides many details of the types of insurance provided to residents.
- Medical insurance
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Other supplemental policies
Residents are provided with professional liability coverage for $200,000/$1,000,000.
Our program is unique in that we will cover the cost of your Step 3 exam. Residents are encouraged to take it in the first 6 months, as they will also receive a free 6-month subscription to either UWorld or TrueLearn during orientation.
Unfortunately, residents who have already purchased their Step 3 exam’s prior to our program starting are not eligible for reimbursement of those fees.
Residents will be issued an iPhone and laptop. Items will be returned at the conclusion of the residency. Please note that these items are not meant to be used for personal calls or activities.
The cost for training licenses in the state of Florida will be paid by the program. Residents receive a "fee exempt" DEA certificate during their training, which can only be used at training sites.
Costs incurred for obtaining required life support training (primarily advanced cardiac life support and basic life support), including any required renewals are covered by the program.
Residents may park in any area that is not designated as patient/visitor parking. This includes available spaces with the covered parking structures at the Medical Arts Building and the Main Entrance. Parking is always available in the GME lot, which is a short walk to the hospital.
Residents are provided lunch during most educational activities that occur over the lunch hour. Residents also receive a monthly $200 stipend, referred to as Knight Bites, that they can use within the hospital cafeteria/shops for snacks and meals.
The program will provide one laboratory coat per academic year.
Each resident in our program is provided a budget for educational purchases (books, conferences, scrubs, etc.).
The call rooms located in the basement of the Women's Center are dedicated to the use of the residents. There are 11 call rooms and several shower facilities available. There is also a resident lounge area with outlets for charging electronics. This is available when not in use for group or individual program activities.
VPN accounts for home access to our hospital's medical records and library resources.
Get to Know the Team
Matthew Calestino, MD
Program Director
Curriculum and Rotation Schedule
Our expertly crafted programs are designed to provide resident physicians with all the experiences and training necessary for professional success.
Salary & Benefits
View Salary and Benefits for the Transitional Year Residency Program
FAQ
We are ACGME accredited for up to 12 residents per year.
We have received continued accreditation effective December 5th, 2022.
Your participation in our transitional year program does not automatically grant you consideration for or a position in any other HCA Florida programs. Please reach out to the Program Director to inquire further.
Will completing this program fulfill the requirements for a preliminary year in my chosen specialty?
The block schedule for transitional year residents is customized to align with the requirements for such a year for each chosen specialty. The specialties that require a preliminary year are as follows: Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Ophthalmology, Osteopathic Neuro-musculoskeletal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Preventive Medicine and Radiation Oncology. The specific requirements for each specialty can be found on the ACGME website.
We do not offer rotations in the transitional year program at this time. Learn about other medical student rotation opportunities.
There is no specific requirement, but the recruitment committee will take scores into consideration when reviewing applications. Of note, Step 1 and Step 2 need to be passed prior to the submission of the rank order list.
Our program is university-sponsored and community-based. We are affiliated with the University of Central Florida. Residents will be rotating at North Florida Regional Medical Center, a 510-bed community hospital.
Insurance will be available with a July 1st start date, as long as you pay the first month in advance (prior to your residency starting, further details to come). Otherwise, your health insurance benefits will begin on August 1st.
Learn more about our benefits information.