The preliminary year is designed to provide a solid foundation in internal medicine prior to specialization. We recognize that the preliminary interns have diverse interests, so we have added elective rotations to allow the interns to individualize the year.

These elective rotations may be taken in the Department of Medicine and in other departments at Duke. Interns may also consider research rotations for these electives. The preliminary year also differs from the categorical internship by the addition of a rotation in the Emergency Department. There is no continuity clinic for preliminary interns.

The vacation schedule is like all other residents with three weeks throughout the year with an added break either at Christmas or New Year's.

 

The 12 rotations of the preliminary year are four weeks in duration and include: