Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Allergy and Immunology Fellowship program is a fully accredited two-year program aimed at preparing internists and pediatricians for diverse career opportunities in Allergy and Immunology. The program is based at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a 400-bed tertiary care facility located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. This center serves patients across New England and is affiliated with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, which is recognized as the fourth oldest medical school in the United States 1.

The fellowship offers two available positions each year, and applications are accepted from residents who have completed training in internal medicine, pediatrics, or medicine-pediatrics. The program emphasizes a strong hands-on clinical experience across various aspects of Allergy and Immunology, primarily in the outpatient setting, while also incorporating inpatient consultations 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the program is the opportunity for fellows to apply for a combined Allergy/Immunology and Masters in Public Health (MPH)-Preventive Medicine track through the Leadership Preventive Medicine Residency (LPMR) program at the prestigious Dartmouth Institute. This 3-year program allows fellows to become board eligible in both Allergy/Immunology and Preventive Medicine while completing their MPH tuition-free and receiving a fellow salary. The residency trains fellows in leadership, quality improvement, and population health, where they lead practicum projects focused on enhancing care 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship's structure combines comprehensive clinical training with research and educational pursuits. During the first year, fellows are dedicated to honing their clinical skills in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including specialized clinics for immunodeficiency and food oral immunotherapy. They will also have the opportunity to engage in pulmonary lab activities to conduct pulmonary function tests 1.

The second year is structured to provide protected research time, enabling fellows to cultivate expertise in their chosen area under mentorship. During both years, fellows will engage in longitudinal clinics and core rotations, with common consultations focusing on diagnosing and managing various allergic and immunologic disorders 1.

Elective rotations during the first year allow the pursuit of individual interests, with options including dermatology, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine 1.

Didactic and Research Opportunities

The didactic curriculum includes regularly scheduled conferences, which are mandatory for first and second-year fellows. These conferences involve various educational formats such as journal clubs, classic paper reviews, clinical case conferences, and grand rounds across different specialties 1.

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research initiatives, contributing to the field of Allergy and Immunology through innovative studies and publications. By promoting scholarly activity and ongoing learning, the program aims to cultivate a culture of life-long scholarship among its fellows 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program strongly promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, striving to create an environment that reflects these values within its educational and clinical practices. This commitment extends to factors like recruitment and retention, emphasizing a diverse workforce as a core component of its mission 2.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Fellowship applications occur from July through October, with interviews held in September and October. The program utilizes the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for selection 2. Candidates must be graduates of an LCME-accredited medical school, be currently in residency (PGY-2 or higher), or have completed prior residency training in pediatrics or internal medicine at an ACGME-accredited program. While there is no specific USMLE score requirement, candidates must have passed Steps 1 and 2, and also provide standard documentation like a personal statement, medical transcripts, and letters of recommendation 2.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides sponsorship for J-1 visas for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs) to participate in the fellowship, facilitating opportunities for a diverse range of applicants 2.

Competitiveness

The program is considered competitive, providing a welcoming environment for both DO graduates and IMGs, with a strong emphasis on creating a supportive fellowship experience that promotes professional development and skills enhancement 2.