Baptist Memorial Medical Education Program

The Baptist Memorial Medical Education Geriatric Medicine Fellowship program is dedicated to training physicians who are committed to delivering quality healthcare to the older population. The program aims to integrate the core values of the health system's ministry—Healing, Preaching, and Teaching—while meeting educational standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and board requirements in Geriatric Medicine. The fellowship is structured to provide in-depth exposure to various clinical settings and prepares fellows to manage the unique healthcare needs of elderly patients and their families, particularly in the underserved areas of the Mid-South region.

Throughout the training, the program emphasizes several core competencies which include Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, and Systems-Based Practice. Additionally, the fellowship fosters a culture of learning and prioritizes patient-centered care.

Clinical Sites

The fellowship encompasses a variety of clinical sites, enabling fellows to gain extensive hands-on experience. The primary training site is Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis, a tertiary care facility that provides access to an active Palliative Care service and comprehensive hospice services. The hospital mainly serves older adults, with a majority of its admissions being patients over the age of 65. Fellows engaged in the Family Medicine Inpatient rotation function as junior faculty, enhancing their leadership and mentorship abilities.

Another significant training location is Oak Street Health, which focuses exclusively on geriatric outpatient care. Here, fellows participate in assessments and management of elderly patients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams consisting of MDs, RNs, and Social Workers. Fellows also gain exposure at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which provides unique educational experiences caring for elderly veterans dealing with chronic illnesses related to aging.

Baptist Rehabilitation Hospital offers clinical learning opportunities in acute rehabilitation and outpatient strategies, while experiences in Women's Health allow fellows to address gynecological issues specific to the elderly population.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the fellowship comprises various rotations structured in 4-week blocks. The training sequence is as follows: Orientation (2 weeks), Oak Street Health Outpatient (1 block), Family Medicine Inpatient (1 block), Palliative Care (1 block), Medical Director/Quality Improvement (1 block), Geriatric Inpatient/Consults (2 blocks), and others including Urology, Gynecology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Home Based Primary Care, Physical Therapy, Skilled Nursing Facility, and VA Specialty Clinics. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to explore electives in specialties like Hematology, Endocrinology, and Dermatology, among others. This diverse and structured curriculum ensures comprehensive training in geriatric medicine.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive; applicants seeking to join the fellowship are expected to meet specific criteria. Candidates typically must have completed all required medical training and hold an appropriate degree (MD or DO). The fellowship program is noted for being friendly to both Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Active engagement in previous educational and clinical experiences in geriatric care can be beneficial. Specific application requirements, such as the number of attempted Steps, are typically outlined during the application cycle.

Visa Support

For international applicants, the program provides support for visa applications, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, which are typically needed for foreign medical graduates seeking to undertake residency or fellowship training in the United States. It is essential for candidates to inquire about visa-related details during the application process.

Fellow Wellness

The program emphasizes the importance of well-being among its fellows, understanding that personal mental and physical health significantly impacts job performance and overall satisfaction. The fellowship includes resources and strategies to promote wellness, ensuring that fellows can maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout their training experience.