Internal Medicine
Our night-float system was implemented in 1991 and was one of the first night float systems in the country. It dramatically reduced the amount of overnight call for our house officers, and thus has enjoyed continued popularity among residents and faculty. This system has allowed our housestaff members to maintain well-balanced lives, while still allowing time for an excellent education.
At UAMS, we do not have any overnight (aka 24 hour) ward or ICU calls, thanks to our night-float system. Night float consists of one-week blocks of night shifts for both interns and upper level residents on the medical wards and ICU.
Our daytime calls at both UAMS and the VA consist of short calls (4 p.m.-7 p.m., M-F, 12 p.m. -7 p.m. on weekends) during which time responsibilities are shared by the on-call team for the medical floors and a separate on-call team for the MICU. The call teams are a combination of interns and upper level residents.
At the VA, internal medicine residents take overnight calls (aka 24 hour call) on ward and ICU on Sundays to allow the night float teams a day off. These calls are spread out among all residents throughout the year; on average a resident will only have to do two to three overnight calls during the entire academic year.
Meal money is provided, and food is available 24 hours a day at both institutions while on call.
Medicine Pediatrics
Med-Peds residents and interns are implemented into the same call systems as above while at UAMS/VA. Please contact the Pediatrics Program for further details on their call system.