Internal Medicine Residency Program Welcomes First Cohort to Houston Methodist The Woodlands
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital launched its Internal Medicine Residency Program and welcomed its first six internal medicine residents today, officially becoming a teaching hospital. This journey began in 2019, with initial accreditation for the program achieved in January 2023. The hospital participated in its first match day in March 2024 and the inaugural class of residents began July 1.
“We are excited to welcome our first cohort of internal medicine residents and officially launch our Graduate Medical Education program. Today marks a new chapter in our history as we officially become a teaching hospital,” said David Bernard, CEO Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “As the No. 1 ranked hospital in the nation for patient safety, quality and service, we are proud to train and develop the next generation of health care providers and continue leading medicine in Mongomery County.”
After successfully identifying clinical rotations, creating didactics, and initiating faculty development, the three-year program was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and will grow to 18 residents in total.
“I want to thank our exceptional team of physicians and staff who have laid the foundation of our teaching hospital,” Bernard said. “Our new Graduate Medical Education program will expand upon our mission, provide education and learning opportunities for all staff, and enhance the quality of care and service we provide.”
Bernard credited the multiyear accreditation process to Dr. Ritu Parikh and the administrative leadership team’s commitment to education. Parikh is program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program and led the program’s creation.
“We have an incredible inaugural class of residents that represent a diverse array of education, backgrounds and experiences,” Parikh said. “We are honored to have the opportunity to help cultivate a new generation of physicians and leaders that will serve our community.”
For more information about Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands.
About Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital: Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Montgomery County and the North Houston region by delivering exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 293 beds and access to the most innovative care. A $250-million 2022 expansion project added 106 beds, medical/surgical extension and women’s services spaces along with nine operating rooms. It also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department.
Houston Methodist The Woodlands is a comprehensive stroke center, an orthopedic center of excellence by DNV, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit as well as a Level III maternal care unit, and has achieved Magnet Designation for nursing excellence from the ANCC. Houston Methodist The Woodlands is also ranked No. 1 nationally out of 181 members in the Complex Care Medical Centers cohort in the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands.