What are some social events and activities in Lancaster?
For its relatively modest size of 56,000 people in the city and 470,000 people in the county, Lancaster offers a variety of events and activities. For those that enjoy cultural events, you can check out the Fulton Opera and the Lancaster Ballet Company. The live music scene has regular jazz and blues performances. You will also find a variety of restaurant options in the city and suburbs. Lancaster is also a hub of antique shopping as well as one of the largest outlet malls on the East Coast. Of course getting to the larger cities is quite easy: Baltimore and Philadelphia are 90 minutes away, Washington DC is about two hours, and New York City is a mere three and half hours driving. There is also a direct Amtrak line to both Philly and NY City. For more information about the area, check out www.padutchcountry.com.
What is the patient population?
Most people associate Lancaster County with the Amish. Yes, we take care of the Amish as outpatients and inpatients. Most of the residents would agree that our Amish patients can present to the clinic or the emergency room when they are quite sick. Consequently, the experience of serving these patients is very rewarding.
However, Lancaster County is surprisingly diverse. Lancaster General serves a substantial, underserved, inner-city population, including many Spanish-speaking patients from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Central American countries, as well as a significant Laotian population.
What kind of teaching and didactics do you receive?
Each intern class has a two-hour block of time scheduled aside each week for formal didactic training on relevant clinical issues. There are also several opportunities for learning offered through LGH training and educational programs. There are monthly stroke rounds, psychiatry grand rounds, and several other training opportunities available to interns.
I am interested in research. Are there opportunities for me?
Yes, there are numerous research opportunities, our staff members are actively publishing. The research is very clinically oriented, in comparison to the basic-science research of larger academic institutions.
Do interns and staff socialize outside of work?
Yes, this happens regularly at the annual Holiday party, new intern picnic in July, and Graduation. There are also informal get-togethers throughout the year arranged by the inerns and practicum students.
What are the stipend and benefits for the interns?
See our Stipend and Benefits page for the current information. The health insurance is very reasonable, and includes dental and ophthalmic coverage. Residents may also take advantage of the Employee Service Center which offers multiple discounts to local events and services and the Employee Fitness Center.
Do interns have a voice in decision-making?
Yes! This internship has historically been very democratic with a very responsive administration to resident needs. Dr. Purzycki, our training director, strongly advocates for intern issues. The Lancaster General Health administration is proud of the internship program and therefore is supportive of intern initiatives. Interns actively participate in new intern selection by reviewing applications, interviewing applicants, and helping to shape the final rank list prior to the match.
Are interns involved in teaching/supervising practicum students?
Yes, we have a 2nd or 3rd year practicum student who interns are able to mentor and supervise through out the year, precepting this student in outpatient, as well as on inpatient services.
Do I have to be from an APA accredited University?
We only rank applicants from APA-accredited programs, so it will be necessary that your program be accredited prior to the day that we submit our rank order list. In other words, if your program is not accredited by the first week of February, we would not include you on our rank order list even if you successfully made it through our screening and interview processes.
Who should I contact if my question is not answered above?
Please email Dr. Purzycki, the Training Director he will either respond to you directly or forward the question to the appropriate person. His email is ejpurzyc@lancastergeneralhealth.org.