City of Hope National Medical Center Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Fellowship Program at City of Hope National Medical Center is an ACGME accredited two-year program dedicated to providing comprehensive training to prepare fellows for a career in endocrinology as clinicians, educators, or physician scientists. Located in Duarte, California, City of Hope is renowned as a top-ranked NCI accredited comprehensive cancer hospital, which promotes exceptional exposure to both general and oncologic endocrine disorders.

The fellowship program is notable for its two training sites: City of Hope National Medical Center and the Los Angeles Medical Center. The latter, a flagship referral center in the Kaiser Permanente system, serves as a major teaching facility for the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. This structured setup significantly enhances the educational experience, offering insights into pediatric and reproductive endocrinology, as well as transgender medicine and pregnancy-related endocrinopathies.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program features a robust curriculum that includes weekly educational conferences, didactics, and multidisciplinary tumor boards focusing on various endocrine issues such as thyroid, genomic, and neuro-endocrine tumors. Trainees receive instruction in advanced diabetes technology, weight management, DXA, and procedures such as thyroid FNA and RFA. This comprehensive approach ensures that fellows have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, combining clinical practice with innovation.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the fellowship emphasizes scholarly activities and contributions to advancements in the field. The Beckman Research Institute and the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope provide well-established research training opportunities, allowing fellows to engage in cutting-edge research initiatives.

Training Environment and Support

The program fosters a collaborative environment that encourages multidisciplinary teamwork. Fellows benefit from a supportive and collegial atmosphere with an institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Trainees are provided with clinical support from Certified Diabetes Care & Educational Specialists, Registered Dieticians, dedicated endocrine Registered Nurses for dynamic testing, Genetic Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Case Managers, and access to an ADA accredited Diabetes Prevention Program alongside a multi-disciplinary weight management program.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique feature of the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship Program is its integration with a comprehensive cancer center, allowing fellows to gain specialized training in endocrine oncology. This dual focus prepares trainees to care for a diverse population, equipping them with the skills to address a wide array of endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports visa applications for eligible international medical graduates, providing sponsorship for J-1 or H-1B visas, demonstrating its commitment to cultivating a diverse educational environment. The fellowship program is competitive with a focus on selecting motivated candidates who are keen on either academic or clinical careers.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet specific educational and professional criteria. Generally, candidates should have completed an accredited residency program in internal medicine prior to application. Preference may be given to those with recent graduation dates, while there may be limits on failed STEP examinations. It is essential for applicants to review the specific eligibility criteria during the application process to ensure they meet all requirements.

Trainees are expected to participate actively in both clinical and academic settings, which includes teaching opportunities for medical students and residents during the consult service. This approach significantly enriches the fellows' training experience.