Preliminary Year Track

"When looking for a prelim year for anesthesiology, I knew I would have only one year to build a strong foundation in medicine to serve me for the rest of my career. So, I wanted a program that would challenge me to think independently and encourage me to use my own problem solving skills to dissect clinical problems. Northwestern has exceeded my expectations and I've made close friends here that I know I will be in touch with when I become the guy behind the blue curtain."

Tom Klumpner
Northwestern University

The Department of Medicine accepts into the preliminary year program the candidate desiring a strong clinical year of internal medicine before pursuing training at the second-year level in dermatology, anesthesiology, ophthalmology and other specialties. The rotations and responsibilities for the intern accepted into the preliminary program are similar to those of the intern in the categorical program.

Successful completion of this year qualifies the trainee for one year toward board certification in internal medicine. Compared to the categorical first year, the preliminary year includes one rotation in the NMH Emergency Room and one month of critical care (instead of two). Graduates of this track universally enjoy it; please contact Maija Hasiba if you’d like to get more information.

"My preliminary year experience at Northwestern has gone above and beyond all of my expectations for intern year. I was looking for a program that would not only give me a strong medical foundation in preparation for my Anesthesiology residency, but that would also allow me to become familiar and comfortable with the hospital where I will spend the rest of my time training. Northwestern's preliminary year track has given me the opportunity to learn from amazing faculty and residents, gain exposure to a huge variety of patients and pathology, and form relationships that will last far beyond my time as an intern. I could not be happier with my choice to do my prelim year at NU, and I will truly miss being a part of the Medicine Department next year!"
Lindsay (Elizabeth) Duncan

For information on the Combined Medicine-Dermatology Residency Program, click here.