Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

The Carilion Clinic Virginia Tech Carilion Geriatric Medicine Fellowship offers an intensive training program designed to prepare physicians for successful careers as geriatricians. This fellowship is committed to producing highly competent and compassionate graduates, aligning with Carilion's mission to improve health in the community.

Mission, Goals, and Strengths

The overarching goal of the program is to deliver exceptional learning opportunities in geriatric medicine. The mission epitomizes collaboration, courage, commitment, compassion, and curiosity, establishing a strong foundation for the fellows to thrive in various healthcare environments. The program aims to produce board-certified graduates capable of practicing independently and to model interprofessionalism by collaborating within healthcare teams 1.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship consists of a one-year training program that encompasses a comprehensive experience in outpatient, inpatient, consultative, and long-term care geriatrics. The curriculum employs both rotational and longitudinal models, ensuring fellows gain a diverse and robust skill set across various settings.

Key clinical locations for training include:

• Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
• Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Didactic training includes various topics such as dementia care, ethics, geriatric assessment, and caregiving. Fellows will participate in monthly Grand Rounds and journal clubs, and they will have teaching sessions for Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residents 4.

Schedule and Tracks

The program is structured into 13 four-week blocks, which include a longitudinal ambulatory care experience and several specialized rotations. Some notable rotations include:

• Inpatient Geriatric Consults
• Palliative and Hospice Care
• Rehabilitation and Wound Care
• Geriatric Psychiatry

Additionally, fellows will engage in elective rotations that allow them to tailor their educational experience to their interests 6.

Research and Academic Pursuits

The program supports a strong emphasis on research and encourages fellows to engage in scholarly activities. Faculty mentors are available to provide guidance and support throughout these endeavors, fostering an environment of academic excellence 5.

Community Outreach and Diversity Initiatives

Community service is a vital part of the fellowship, enhancing the learning experience while giving back to the underserved populations of southwest Virginia. The program actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to address health disparities affecting marginalized communities 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, accepting only two fellows per year. Applicants are required to be board-eligible or board-certified in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine and must have completed their residency at an accredited program. Application materials include a completed MyERAS application, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and relevant transcripts. The fellowship sponsors J-1 visas for eligible candidates 7.

Program Locations and Facilities

Fellows will primarily train at:

• Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, which serves as the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center
• Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Multiple regional long-term care facilities
• The Carilion Center for Healthy Aging

The fellowship's unique access to diverse healthcare venues equips fellows with a rich educational experience that is both practical and theoretical 3.