Inside St. Vincent's Transitional Year Residency Program

A Passion for Teaching

For Jennifer Mundell, MD, FACP, serving as director of the St. Vincent’s Transitional Year (TY) Residency Program is about more than overseeing schedules, residents, and curriculum; it is about supporting and mentoring the next generation of physicians. While in medical school, Dr. Mundell discovered a passion for teaching and knew it was what she wanted to do long term.

At St. Vincent’s, Dr. Mundell said, “I get to do my dream job. I always wanted to be the attending I didn’t have.” While medicine requires continuous learning, Dr. Mundell believes it should also be fun, and that is something she strives to bring to her TY residency program.

Building a Strong Clinical Foundation

St. Vincent’s TY is a one-year internship providing broad training prior to entering a specialty residency program such as dermatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, and more. Rather than following a month-by-month schedule, the TY curriculum is organized into 13 blocks, with nine dedicated to core rotations and four to electives.

Core rotations include emergency medicine, internal medicine, family medicine, and ICU. There are dozens of elective rotation options, allowing residents to tailor their TY experience to their future careers.

Preparing Residents for What Comes Next

While the TY curriculum offers flexibility, Dr. Mundell emphasizes that the core rotations provide a strong foundation for excelling in an advanced specialty.

“TY residents aren’t just there,” she said. “They’re an important part of the team.”

St. Vincent’s TY residents quickly become well prepared for the responsibilities that come with being a physician. Residents gain proficiency in procedures, develop competence in recognizing and managing critically ill patients, and gain experience caring for patients overnight.

Learning Beyond the Clinical Rotations

Education extends beyond rotations. Residents also have protected time in their schedules for academic sessions led by residents, faculty, and guest speakers.

Topics range from clinical medicine and disease to financial planning and patient safety, helping residents navigate both their medical training and life beyond it.

Supporting Resident Well-Being

Resident well-being is also intentionally prioritized throughout the program. Residents receive their entire schedule for the year before the program begins, helping them plan well in advance.

Elective rotations also often provide additional flexibility for studying for Step 3 or Level 3. The program also offers mental health resources and counseling sessions as needed.

What St. Vincent’s Looks for in Applicants

When discussing the TY residency selection process, Dr. Mundell explained that the program looks for applicants who are likely to be successful in both the TY and their advanced residency. This is initially gauged through academic performance and demonstrated interest in the program.

During interviews, Dr. Mundell said she also looks for applicants who have a strong interest in training in Indianapolis and who are personable and easy to connect with.

“We want people who are easy to talk to,” she said, emphasizing the collaborative environment of the TY program.

A Program Director Invested in Residents

What stood out most during our conversation was Dr. Mundell’s genuine passion for teaching and supporting her residents. She speaks highly of the physicians she trains, and it is evident that she wants each of them to excel well beyond the TY program.

She describes her favorite part of being the TY program director as the ability to work alongside new residents each year. She emphasized her love of learning, teaching, medicine, and interesting cases, as well as the opportunity to share those passions with others.

Preparing Physicians for the Next Stage

For students considering specialties that require or recommend a preliminary or transitional year, St. Vincent’s TY program offers more than simply fulfilling requirements. Through broad clinical exposure, educational opportunities, diverse elective options, and an emphasis on resident well-being, the program prepares physicians to enter the next stage of residency training with confidence and a strong clinical foundation.

About the Author

Madison Walker is a third-year medical student at the Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently interested in anesthesiology and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, running, reading, and traveling.

About Franc Notes

Discover the voices of Marian University's health professions students through "Franc Notes", a vibrant, student-led blog that embodies our Franciscan commitment to community, reflection, and compassionate service. Inspired by the rhythm of "SOAP notes," it features weekly insights—from "DO Diaries" interviews with physicians to summer reflections and program spotlights—fostering collaboration across disciplines."