Our "6+2" Block Model
The 6 + 2 schedule was another great feature that drew me here, and I love how about every 2 weeks I’m in a whole different setting with a different patient population and team to learn from!”
-Brian Cornell, M.D.
Our 6+2 scheduling model creates dedicated time for residents to fully immerse themselves in outpatient medicine without competing inpatient responsibilities. Every eight weeks, residents spend two consecutive weeks focused entirely on ambulatory training. This structure enables residents to develop stronger relationships with patients and faculty mentors and broaden their exposure to general and subspecialty ambulatory practice while building essential skills for careers in primary care, hospital medicine, or fellowship.
What happens During an Ambulatory Block?
With no inpatient obligations during these blocks, residents can fully focus on outpatient learning and patient care. Residents participate in a balanced outpatient experience each week that includes:
- Four continuity clinics with their primary care patient panel
- Community outreach and community based primary care sessions (for interns)
- Three longitudinal subspecialty electives (for senior residents)
- An ambulatory-focused educational half day
- Time for quality improvement and population health initiatives
- Administrative and care coordination time
Example of Intern Ambulatory Block Schedule
| Week | Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | AM | Continuity Clinic | Community Outreach | Quality Improvement | Ambulatory Education Session | Continuity Clinic |
| PM | Community Primary Care Practice | Continuity Clinic | Community Primary Care Practice | Continuity Clinic | Administrative Time | |
| Week 2 | AM | Continuity Clinic | Community Outreach | Quality Improvement | Ambulatory Education Session | Continuity Clinic |
| PM | Community Primary Care Practice | Continuity Clinic | Community Primary Care Practice | Continuity Clinic | Administrative Time |
Example of Senior Resident Ambulatory Block Schedule
| Week | Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | AM | Continuity Clinic | Cardiology Elective | Quality Improvement | Ambulatory Education Session | Continuity Clinic |
| PM | Nephrology Elective | Continuity Clinic | Hematology Elective | Continuity Clinic | Administrative Time | |
| Week 2 | AM | Continuity Clinic | Cardiology Elective | Quality Improvement | Ambulatory Education Session | Continuity Clinic |
| PM | Nephrology Elective | Continuity Clinic | Hematology Elective | Continuity Clinic | Administrative Time |
Longitudinal Subspecialty Electives
A unique feature of our curriculum is the opportunity to participate in longitudinal ambulatory electives throughout the year. Residents work with the same subspecialty faculty member and patient population across 12-14 clinic sessions, allowing for deeper learning, continuity, and mentorship. For example, a resident may choose an ambulatory cardiology elective on Monday mornings, a rheumatology elective on Wednesday afternoons, and a leukemia clinic on Thursday afternoon. Residents can combine experiences across multiple specialties, exploring career interests while gaining firsthand insight into outpatient specialty practice.
Continuity of Care
Residents are part of a team-based "mini-practice" consisting of other residents who share the same preceptor. In this model, at least one mini-practice partner is on ambulatory block at all times. The partners see each other’s patients for urgent visits that cannot wait until the next ambulatory block of the primary care resident.
This model ensures continuity for patients while giving residents experience in the collaborative care environments commonly found in modern medical practice.
Why Residents Value the 6+2 Model
- Dedicated ambulatory training without competing inpatient responsibilities
- More continuity with patients and faculty mentors
- Early and sustained exposure to outpatient medicine throughout residency
- Longitudinal subspecialty experiences that support career exploration
- Enhanced preparation for fellowship training and independent practice
- Protected time for quality improvement, administrative work, and professional development