Atlantic Health System/Overlook Medical Center Program

The Atlantic Health System Rheumatology Fellowship at Overlook Medical Center is a two-year program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. It was founded in 2023 and exclusively accepts one candidate per year. The fellowship provides comprehensive exposure to a wide spectrum of rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases, ensuring a robust training environment for future rheumatologists.

Outpatient experiences are primarily conducted at the offices of the Institute for Rheumatic & Autoimmune Diseases, while inpatient exposure occurs at Overlook Medical Center, both located in Summit, New Jersey. This program also leverages interdisciplinary opportunities across the various campuses of the Atlantic Health System, fostering a collaborative environment among diverse healthcare professionals.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Rheumatology Fellowship is designed to cover clinical education comprehensively while emphasizing both inpatient and outpatient care. Over the two years, fellows will engage in clinical rotations, encompassing various subspecialties within rheumatology. These rotations are coupled with didactic sessions that cover the latest developments in clinical practice and research methodologies.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship integrates research opportunities into its framework, beginning in the first year and continuing through the second year, culminating in a dedicated full-year research project. Fellows can select their research mentors and choose to either join ongoing projects or initiate their own. Such research could include case presentations, clinical review articles, or investigator-initiated studies. The program encourages presentation of findings at regional and national conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, clinical trials (phase 2-4) and affiliations with research institutes and pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, are available for interested fellows.

Conference Participation

The Rheumatology Fellowship program organizes several conferences that fellows are expected to attend and participate in. Weekly patient management conferences and monthly journal clubs help maintain an active learning environment. Additionally, quarterly thematic conferences focused on topics such as rheumatology-renal and immunology clubs are held. Involvement in local, regional, and national conferences, including the semi-annual New Jersey Rheumatology Association meeting and the annual American College of Rheumatology meeting, is also a vital part of the fellows' training.

Program Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is considered highly competitive; potential applicants should understand the specific application procedures. All applicants must complete an electronic application through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). The application must include three letters of recommendation, with one from the program director, a curriculum vitae, USMLE transcript or COMLEX transcript, a personal statement, and medical education transcripts. For those who graduated from foreign medical schools, an ECFMG status report and foreign medical license (if applicable) are also required. The program accepts applicants with J-1 visas, making it accommodating for international medical graduates.

Fellowship Faculty

The program boasts a dedicated team of faculty who are not only outstanding clinicians and educators but are also engaged in clinical and experimental rheumatology research. Program leaders include Elliot D. Rosenstein, MD, and Neil Kramer, MD, who bring extensive expertise and experience in both clinical care and research to the fellowship. Specialty training of the faculty covers a range of areas, including general rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive mentorship.

Unique Aspects

The unique structure of the program allows fellows to benefit from a highly supportive learning environment characterized by a balance between clinical work and research opportunities. The program's affiliation with prestigious institutions and ongoing research projects reinforces its commitment to training excellent rheumatologists prepared to excel in their careers.