Atlantic Health System/Morristown Medical Center Program

The Geriatrics Fellowship Program at Morristown Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, offers a comprehensive 12-month training program in geriatric medicine. This program is designed to prepare fellows for clinical practice across various settings such as ambulatory, home care, long-term care, and acute care. It also fosters the development of clinical educators within the field of geriatric medicine. Upon completion, fellows will be eligible to take the board-certification examination in geriatrics and will have the requisite skills to thrive in diverse clinical environments.

The core curriculum of the Geriatrics Fellowship encompasses a range of educational formats including rotations, didactic sessions, and scholarly activities. Additionally, the program integrates standardized and non-standardized patient exercises along with elective opportunities. The emphasis on patient care ensures that fellows deliver compassionate and effective care while developing crucial communication and decision-making skills pertinent to treating older adults.

Core Competencies

Participants are expected to develop proficiencies in patient care that adhere to established competencies. Fellows conduct thorough patient assessments, establish management plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to address the complex needs of geriatric patients. The program places great importance on medical knowledge, requiring fellows to engage deeply with scientific evidence and apply critical thinking in their clinical practice.

Fellowship Goals and Objectives

The overarching goal of the fellowship is to equip trainees with expertise in the assessment and management of geriatric patients across varied healthcare settings. Skills are acquired through a mix of supervised clinical experiences, formal education, and ongoing professional development. Specific competencies targeted include understanding the physiology of aging, mastering geriatric assessments, and adeptly navigating socioeconomic aspects relevant to elderly care.

Training Environment and Faculty

The program is supported by accomplished faculty with extensive experience in geriatrics and a commitment to education. The faculty members are involved in direct clinical care, research, and mentoring, ensuring fellows receive comprehensive guidance and support throughout their training. Regular faculty evaluations ensure that fellows receive consistent feedback on their performance and development.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows have access to opportunities for engaging in clinical research within the field of geriatrics. This involvement is designed to enhance the academic component of training and foster a spirit of inquiry and innovation in fellows. They may present case reports and research findings, thereby contributing to the broader medical community.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Geriatrics Fellowship Program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking to participate in the program. The types of visas that the program supports typically include the J-1 visa for exchange visitors and H-1B visas for specialty occupations, thereby accommodating a diverse group of applicants from various backgrounds. The program is considered competitive, favoring applicants with strong clinical backgrounds and commitment to geriatric medicine.

Application Requirements

Prospective fellows should be aware of specific application requirements that may include restrictions on the year of graduation, as well as a maximum number of failed STEP exams. Detailed guidelines ensure that applicants are well-prepared and suited for the rigors of the fellowship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One notable feature of the fellowship is its emphasis on interdisciplinary coordination, allowing fellows to understand the importance of collaboration across multiple health professions. This ability is crucial in geriatric care where holistic approaches are often necessary to meet the needs of the elderly population. The program also provides extensive training in addressing ethical and legal issues pertinent to geriatric medicine, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for the complexities of patient care in this field.