Internal Medicine Los Angeles Medical Center - Thrive
Thriving in Residency
We believe that residency should not just be survivable — it should be sustainable, meaningful, and deeply human. At Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, our approach to well-being and fulfillment is grounded in the principles of self-determination: that physicians thrive when they are supported in their growth, given tools to do their jobs well, and connected to something larger than themselves.
To this end, our approach is multifaceted. We place each resident in the driver’s seat through our individualized learning plan (ILP) framework — offering the flexibility to personalize experiences, set meaningful goals, and reflect on progress over time. Our non-evaluative mentorship model ensures that residents have space to ask questions, navigate challenges, and grow with purpose.
We also recognize that life happens — and we have the systems in place to support that. A structured jeopardy and sick call system ensures that residents can step away when they need to — for illness, family emergencies — without guilt or burdening their peers.
We believe that systems should support physicians, not stand in their way. That means eliminating non-physician obligations, streamlining workflows, and designing call and float schedules that promote both safety and rest. Residents have real input into how the program runs — and regularly lead quality improvement projects that change care delivery across the medical center.
Wellness doesn’t just happen in isolation — it’s found in connection. From family groups and mentorship pairings, to shared meals, hikes, and spontaneous celebrations, our community is built intentionally. And it extends beyond our program to include our patients, our hospital staff, and the local community we serve. Residents participate in school mentorship programs, volunteer at health fairs, and engage in cultural humility and advocacy work throughout their training.
Residency will always be challenging. But we believe that when residents feel autonomous, competent, and connected — when they understand the impact of their work and are supported in doing it — they don’t just get through residency. They thrive.
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We believe that people thrive when they feel safe, valued, and connected — and that creating a truly inclusive environment is essential to resident well-being.
At both the institutional and program level, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) are not separate initiatives — they are woven into our community, our curriculum, and our culture. Kaiser Permanente has long been recognized as a national leader in diversity and inclusion, but what matters most is what our residents experience every day.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment, grounded in respect and accountability. Our program has a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment of any kind. Residents participate in regular trainings on bias, harassment, and cultural humility as part of the Belong@KP campaign, and faculty are held to the same standard.
But we don’t stop at safety. We aim to proactively build a culture of belonging and equity through:
• Electives and Curriculum: LGBTQ health and HIV medicine electives, a developing health disparities curriculum, and Narrative Medicine sessions that deepen empathy and awareness
• Resident Participation: QI Committees, KP-sponsored symposia (e.g., LGBTQ Health, Women in Medicine), and support for SNMA, LMSA, APAMSA, and other affinity groups
• Community Engagement: Caring for patients in historically marginalized communities, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, and participating in culturally responsive outreach
Inclusion is not just a policy — it’s part of how we grow together, learn from one another, and serve our communities with purpose and humility.
A Leader in LGBTQ Health Care Equality | Kaiser Permanente
Recognized Again for Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion | Kaiser Permanente
Supporting Access to Telehealth for Vulnerable Populations | Kaiser Permanente
Community Engagement and Reflection
At Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, we believe that training to be a physician means engaging with the world beyond the hospital. Our residents are not just caregivers — they are mentors, advocates, and community partners.
Each month, the Internal Medicine Residency Program donates over 80 hours of volunteer service and provides financial support to the Hollywood-Sunset Free Clinic. Residents provide care in screening and prevention, urgent care, chronic disease management, STI treatment, and reproductive health — offering high-quality services regardless of patients’ ability to pay.
Our commitment to the community also includes mentorship and education. Residents lead hands-on sessions with students from the Helen Bernstein STEM Academy, teaching physical exams and suturing, facilitating debates on health policy, and organizing immersive experiences at our simulation center and local exhibits.
Volunteerism isn’t limited to clinical settings. Many residents and faculty participate in environmental clean-ups, food drives, and local outreach through KPCares, Kaiser Permanente’s internal volunteer coordination platform.
This spirit of service is supported structurally and culturally. All categorical residents — including the Program Director — participate in community outreach, in partnership with the KP Community Medicine Fellowship and supported by the Song-Brown Program to strengthen care in underserved areas.
Finally, we recognize that meaningful service often brings complex emotions. Our Narrative Medicine curriculum gives residents time and space to reflect on those experiences — sharing stories, processing challenges, and drawing strength from one another. These sessions have become a source of healing, connection, and growth.
