At the USF Internal Medicine Residency Program, we believe that an exceptional training experience is built not only through clinical excellence, but also through connection, community, and a genuine sense of belonging. Our residents bring unique experiences, perspectives, traditions, interests, and stories that collectively shape the culture of our program. We are committed to creating an environment where residents feel known, supported, valued, and connected—to one another, to our faculty, to the Tampa Bay community, and to a shared purpose in medicine.

Dynamic Intercultural & Community Engagement (DICE)

DICE — Dynamic Intercultural & Community Engagement — is a resident- and faculty-supported initiative dedicated to strengthening the connections that make residency feel like a community.

DICE creates opportunities for residents to connect beyond clinical schedules and hospital walls through shared experiences, community engagement, service, mentorship, wellness, cultural exchange, and meaningful fellowship. Rather than defining our community by any single background or experience, DICE celebrates what each individual brings to the program while creating opportunities to learn from and support one another.

What We Value

·       Belonging: Creating a residency community where individuals feel welcomed, supported, and able to find their place.

·       Connection: Building meaningful relationships among residents, faculty, families, and the communities we serve.

·       Shared Experiences: Learning from one another’s cultures, traditions, perspectives, interests, and life experiences.

·       Wellness & Support: Recognizing that thriving during residency requires community, mentorship, friendship, and opportunities to reconnect outside of medicine.

·       Service & Community Engagement: Strengthening our relationship with Tampa Bay through service, outreach, and a shared commitment to the people and communities we care for.

These values come to life through resident-led gatherings, community service opportunities, wellness and belonging programming, mentorship, and collaborations throughout the residency program. One example is our DICE and Wellness Supper Club, which brings residents together outside of the hospital to share food, conversation, culture, and fellowship in a relaxed setting.

Ultimately, our goal is simple: we want every resident to have the opportunity to find their people, their purpose, and their place within our program.

Residents enjoy a variety of social and wellness events throughout the year designed to promote connection, community, and work-life balance. From hosting social gatherings and annual celebrations to welcoming new trainees and recognizing important milestones and achievements, these events foster camaraderie, strengthen relationships, and

contribute to a supportive training environment. These activities are supported by our Social & Wellness Committee, comprised of class representatives who help plan events, promote resident well-being, and enhance the overall training experience. Recent activities have included a ropes course, escape room outing, resident barbecue, American Social gathering, a private pool event at Le Méridien, and our graduation celebration at Hotel Flor.

We have a blended model of Chief Residents, with several PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents.

PGY-3 Chief Residents

We have a total of six PGY-3 Chief Residents assigned to our different training sites. These individuals are recommended by their peers and selected to assist with running the program. They are true leaders, educators, and advocates for the residents and the program.

PGY-4 Chief Residents

There are three PGY-4 Chief Residents for Quality and Patient Safety at the JAHVAH. Two serve as the QI Chief for the inpatient setting. One serves as the chief for the outpatient setting. We also have an Inpatient VA Academics and Research Chief position. There is an opportunity for a QI Chief position at Tampa General Hospital.