Empowering the Next Generation: Spotlight on Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Track
The success of a residency program is often measured by the strength of its leadership. At the University of Utah, the Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Track is flourishing under the guidance of Vidya Gopinath, MD, FACP, Program Director, and Sarah Hall, MD, Associate Program Director. Their leadership not only
ensures academic rigor but also fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where residents are empowered to grow.
Dr. Gopinath brings a steady, thoughtful presence to her role. With a deep commitment to medical education, she is recognized for striking a balance between high expectations and genuine care for her trainees. Her vision for the program is clear: “To train well-rounded, humanistic primary care physicians and leaders in the field of general internal medicine and primary care.” Under her leadership, the Primary Care Track continues to evolve with a strong focus on preparing physicians who are committed to practicing primary care and addressing the growing shortage of primary care providers in Utah, all while remaining grounded in patient-centered care.
Working closely alongside her is Dr. Sarah Hall, whose approachable nature and passion for resident education have made her a trusted mentor and advocate. As Associate Program Director, Dr. Hall plays a key role in curriculum development, faculty-resident communication, and wellness programming. She is primarily known for her efforts to build a supportive learning environment, helping residents navigate the challenges of training with resilience and purpose.
Reflecting on this year’s recruitment cycle, Dr. Hall shared, “We interviewed more than 60 people, and we ranked some phenomenal candidates. We’re really excited—at Match Week last week, we matched four people to our track.” The successful match reflects both the growing reputation of the Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Track and the intentionality with which it selects and supports its residents.
The University of Utah Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Program is dedicated to cultivating and developing leaders in primary care who deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care to all communities. The program emphasizes academic innovation and excellence through scholarship, advocacy, and leadership, rooted in a strong Utah primary care community. It is fully integrated into the Department of Internal Medicine’s three-year residency program, which has been accredited since 1957 and is recognized nationally for its educational infrastructure and excellence.
In addition to enhanced ambulatory education, residents in the primary care track train at all inpatient sites and gain extensive experience in critical care and hospital medicine across a broad range of patient populations. The curriculum includes a month-long Primary Care Bootcamp during intern year, followed by four three-month primary care immersion blocks in PGY-2 and PGY-3 that alternate with inpatient rotations. Ambulatory training makes up approximately 50% of the final two years, preparing graduates to deliver high-value care in diverse clinical settings.
Both Drs. Gopinath and Hall are strong advocates for belonging, representation, and access. They actively champion initiatives that ensure residents from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead in their communities. Through mentorship, advocacy, and thoughtful leadership, they continue to shape a program where excellence is not only expected but nurtured.
Together, they are shaping the future of internal medicine, one primary care physician at a time.
