Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center/Mercer University School of Medicine Program

Overview of the Geriatric Medicine Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Atrium Health Navicent is a specialized track within the family medicine residency. This program is affiliated with Mercer University School of Medicine, which is recognized as a premier institution in primary care medical education across the United States. The program aims to cultivate leaders in geriatric medicine who are skilled in providing high-quality care to older adults, focusing on both academic rigor and practical experience.

Curriculum Framework

The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training in multiple aspects of geriatric care. It encompasses core rotations in various subspecialties including—but not limited to—geriatric assessment, chronic disease management, rehabilitation medicine, and palliative care. Fellows gain hands-on experience through longitudinal patient care models, where they manage a panel of patients within the outpatient and inpatient settings.

Rotational Experience

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship provides a structured rotation in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, allowing fellows to develop a rich understanding of the complexities involved in the healthcare of older adults. Rotations typically include:

• Outpatient Geriatrics Clinic
• Acute Care for the Elderly Unit
• Palliative Care Team Experience
• Home Visits and Community Health Assessments

These rotations ensure that fellows acquire both the clinical skills necessary to excel in residency and the interpersonal skills needed to communicate with geriatric patients and their families effectively.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a critical role in the fellowship experience, encouraging scholarly activity that addresses issues pertinent to geriatric medicine. Fellows are provided with mentorship to engage in clinical research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and presentations at local and national conferences. The program emphasizes the importance of integrating evidence-based research with clinical practice, thereby preparing fellows for potential academic careers or advanced clinical roles.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program distinguishes itself by offering a small, closely-knit environment where fellows are regarded as integral members of the medical community. With dedicated faculty who have extensive experience in geriatric medicine, fellows benefit from personalized mentorship and tailored learning experiences. Furthermore, the program is committed to the development of leadership skills within geriatric care, focusing on community health initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Training Sites

The training environment includes some of the finest facilities in the region. The primary site is Atrium Health Navicent, recognized as the second-largest hospital in Georgia. Here, fellows encounter a diverse patient population, which enriches their training by exposing them to a wide range of geriatric health issues. Additionally, community outreach programs are integrated into the training to foster a commitment to serving the elderly, especially those in underserved populations.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates and sponsors J-1 visas for those who qualify. This ensures that all applicants, regardless of their background, have an opportunity to apply and participate in comprehensive training in geriatric medicine.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is considered competitive. The program welcomes applications from U.S. seniors, international medical graduates (IMGs), and osteopathic graduates. Applicants are preferred to have completed their residency in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine. While the program does assess applicants based on academic performance, they are also cognizant of holistic factors such as clinical skills and contributions to the community. Specific requirements may include a maximum allowed failed STEP exam, demonstrating resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.