Aurora Health Care Program

The Aurora Health Care Geriatrics Fellowship, as part of the Internal Medicine Residency, offers a comprehensive training experience aimed at developing both clinical and research skills. This program emphasizes high-quality, compassionate care for older adults across diverse settings.

Program Overview

The program is situated within a robust, community-based health system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This structure allows residents to benefit from a wide array of clinical experiences, from outpatient care to inpatient hospital services. The program is characterized by its commitment to social responsibility, cultural awareness, and community health initiatives.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide residents with an in-depth understanding of geriatrics, emphasizing both the clinical aspects of care for older adults and the research methodologies essential for contributing to the field. A key element of the training involves rotations through various settings, including Aurora's Geriatrics Institute and Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) unit, along with outpatient services focusing on complex medical care for the elderly.

Residents begin their training with a strong foundation through core internal medicine rotations, followed by specialized geriatrics rotations. During these rotations, residents are actively involved in patient management, learning about chronic disease management, functional assessment, and end-of-life care.

Training Sites

The program utilizes two main training campuses: Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. The former focuses on community-based care while the latter provides advanced tertiary services, offering a comprehensive exposure to a variety of medical conditions prevalent in the geriatric population.

Facilities Overview

Aurora St. Luke’s is the largest hospital in Wisconsin, providing a quaternary referral center with specialized services, including heart and kidney transplants. Meanwhile, Aurora Sinai serves downtown Milwaukee, integrating a focus on social equity and culturally competent care.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the program, with opportunities to engage in projects related to geriatrics and internal medicine. The Aurora Health Care system supports residents in participating in quality improvement initiatives and academic research, enhancing their skills in critical analysis and evidence-based practice.

Scholarship and Publications

Residents are encouraged to publish their findings and participate in conferences, showcasing their work on both local and national stages. This involvement not only enriches the academic environment but also prepares them for potential academic careers in the long run.

Unique Aspects

The Aurora program is noted for its holistic approach to training, which includes a deep commitment to fostering strong interpersonal relationships between faculty and residents. Faculty members dedicate time to mentoring each resident, ensuring personalized guidance and support throughout the training process.

Additionally, the program adopts a “family-like” atmosphere where residents are encouraged to express their needs and so that a supportive culture can thrive, enhancing overall resident well-being and job satisfaction.

Visa Support

The Aurora Geriatrics Fellowship program provides support for J-1 visas; however, it does not sponsor H-1B visas or host J-2 visas through ECFMG for international medical graduates. This aspect of the program is critical for applicants needing visa sponsorship to ensure they meet residency eligibility requirements.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the geriatrics fellowship need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria, including a valid ECFMG status report for international medical graduates. The program does not publish specific minimum requirements for testing scores, but a holistic review process is employed to assess each application comprehensively.

Moreover, while there is no fixed limit on the number of times a candidate can attempt the STEP exams, prior performance, and overall educational trajectory are considered during the application review process.

Competitiveness

This program is regarded as competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants from across the country and internationally. Its commitment to social equity and patient-centered care further enhances its appeal, particularly for those interested in a career in primary care or geriatrics.