Abington Memorial Hospital Program

Jefferson Abington Hospital offers a Geriatric Medicine Fellowship within its Internal Medicine Residency Program, designed to provide comprehensive training for residents aiming to specialize in geriatrics. The curriculum is structured to balance clinical experience, didactic learning, and research opportunities, aiming to cultivate well-rounded physicians capable of delivering high-quality care to older adults.

Curriculum

The fellowship focuses on various aspects of geriatric care, integrating outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care settings. Core components of the curriculum include:

• Clinical Rotations: Residents engage in rotations that cover a diverse array of geriatric health issues, offering exposure to conditions common in older adults, such as dementia, frailty, and comorbidities.
• Didactic Training: Educational activities include seminars, case discussions, and lectures aimed at enhancing knowledge in geriatric medicine. Weekly conferences are also held to discuss current research, clinical cases, and management strategies.
• Mentorship and Supervision: Faculty mentors provide guidance throughout the fellowship, facilitating skill development in patient management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research design.

As outlined in the program description, fellows are also encouraged to pursue elective rotations, further enhancing their exposure to various subspecialties within geriatric medicine and community resources for elderly care 1.

Training Sites

The program predominantly operates at Jefferson Abington Hospital, a 665-bed facility that emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to geriatric care. Additionally, residents may conduct rotations at affiliated institutions such as Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University. This exposure allows fellows to experience different healthcare environments and broaden their clinical skills 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical element of the fellowship, with residents required to complete a scholarly project. The program supports various research endeavors, including:

• Mentorship: Each fellow works alongside a faculty mentor to develop a research proposal, with opportunities to present findings at annual symposia and submit for publication.
• Collaborative Research: Fellows have access to collaborative projects with faculty from different specialties, enriching their understanding of geriatric research and its implications in clinical practice.

Past fellows have successfully published their research in peer-reviewed journals, emphasizing the program's commitment to scholarship 3.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Jefferson Abington Hospital is highly competitive. Interested applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, clinical acumen, and a commitment to the field of geriatrics. The program is considered friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, with certain eligibility conditions outlined in the application process 4.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship program should note the following requirements:

• All applications must be submitted through ERAS.
• IMGs must hold ECFMG certification and have passed both Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE.
• A minimum passing score of 220 is required on the USMLE.
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a physician in internal medicine, are necessary.
• Graduation from medical school should ideally not exceed five years preceding the application year.

Visa options include J-1 and H-1B sponsorship for qualified international applicants. Notably, Step 3 of the USMLE must be completed before December for those pursuing H-1B sponsorship. J-1 visa holders are required to complete Step 3 during the intern year 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Jefferson Abington Hospital provides a robust Geriatric Medicine fellowship marked by its supportive learning environment and strong community ties. Unique features of the program include:

• Community Focus: The program places a strong emphasis on community relationships and resources, ensuring that fellows learn to navigate and support the population's needs effectively.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum not only covers clinical aspects but also includes essential topics such as patient communication, ethics in geriatrics, and transition of care 6.
• Social Events and Support: A strong resident community is fostered, with several social events annually promoting relationship-building and wellness among fellows and faculty.

This fellowship prepares trainees for the challenges unique to geriatric medicine, equipping them with the tools needed to provide high-quality care as they advance their medical careers.