A Message From Our Program Director

Dear Residency Candidate,

Hello from Oakland, California! As the Program Director, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to our new Internal Medicine Residency Program here at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, a proud member of Sutter Health. Our commitment to educational excellence is robust and unwavering.

Our Educational Philosophy

We are committed to the highest standard of education. We strive to offer rigorous clinical training that prepares you for a fulfilling career in internal medicine, whether in primary care, as a hospitalist, or in specialized fellowship training. But we don’t stop at the clinical; we aim to cultivate compassionate healers who balance medical expertise with patient-centered care.

Why Choose Our Program?

Clinical Experience

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is a beacon of clinical excellence. Our facility has state-of-the-art medical technologies and offers diverse inpatient and outpatient settings. With a catchment area spanning both urban and suburban communities, our residents gain exposure to a diverse patient population with various medical conditions, from common ailments to rare and complex cases. As part of the Sutter, we also have an integrated system that allows for a seamless patient care experience, offering opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration across specialties.

Opportunities in Research

Being a newer program gives us the flexibility to shape our research environment, giving residents a unique opportunity to be actively involved in that process. As part of the integrated Sutter system, our residents will have access to an expansive range of resources and mentors to guide them. Collaboration is encouraged within our institution and with external partners, which enhances the multidisciplinary nature of research efforts and allows for a more comprehensive approach to medical inquiries. Our residents will also have opportunities to participate in quality improvement projects in the hospital.

Community Engagement

Our program is striving to be a complete partner in the community and to lead the way in improving access and total well-being of the community.  You can expect to be active participants in this process through health camps, education seminars, and other innovative initiatives to improve our community’s health.

Focus on Wellness

Residency is demanding, and we prioritize your well-being. We provide structured support, mental health resources, and mentorship programs designed to support residents through the ups and down of residency training.

Innovation and Technology

As a new program, we have the agility to quickly adopt and integrate the latest advances in medical technology into our curriculum. This agility ensures our residents are always at the forefront of the ever-changing medical landscape.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area's temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities and offers a unique blend of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. From Oakland’s vibrant arts scene to the tech-driven innovation the Bay Area is known for, there’s always something to explore.

I invite you to explore our website further, meet our exceptional faculty, and discover what makes our program uniquely poised to offer you an excellent training experience in internal medicine.

Thank you for considering Alta Bates Summit Medical Center for your residency training. We are eager to meet the next generation of internal medicine physicians who will carry on the legacy of excellence and compassion that we strive for each day.

Feel free to reach out for any inquiries or additional information. We look forward to the possibility of having you join our medical family.

Sincerely,

Harish Rengarajan, MD, MBA
Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center