Deaconess Hospital Program

Overview of the Geriatric Fellowship

The Geriatric Fellowship at Deaconess Hospital is an ACGME-accredited program within the Department of Family Medicine, designed to train two fellows per year. The program fully participates in the National Resident Matching Program, providing a competitive application process. The fellowship is targeted towards applicants who are eligible for American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board certification in either Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, which necessitates the successful completion of a minimum of 36 months of an ACGME-accredited residency in the U.S. 1

Mission and Aims

The mission of the Deaconess Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is to develop competent and compassionate geriatricians through a focus on excellence and innovation in both medical education and clinical practice. The program aims to promote life-long learning and wellness through a geriatric curriculum that is innovative, flexible, and attentive to the needs of both fellows and the community. Key objectives include:

• To consistently deliver quality geriatric patient care that is comprehensive, evidence-based, and cost-effective.
• To provide patient-centered care through a coordinated and accessible team-based approach.
• To encourage fellows to engage in scholarship activities, focusing on quality improvement and critical appraisal of research.
• To advance the health and well-being of the geriatric population in the Tri-State community.
• To cultivate leadership skills among fellows to better advocate for geriatric patients, the community, and the medical profession.

Rotations and Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum includes structured rotations following a 13 block schedule covering a diverse array of clinical settings. Rotations encompass:

• Nursing Home Care
• Rehabilitation
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Community and Home-Based Care
• Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care
• Inpatient Geriatric Service
• Outpatient Hospice
• Elective Opportunities

These diverse clinical experiences ensure that fellows gain exposure to the various aspects of geriatric care, facilitating the development of comprehensive skills necessary for effective practice. 1

Salary and Benefits

Details regarding salary and benefits for fellows are provided upon acceptance into the program. It should be noted that any unused professional development funds are not compensated upon termination of the employment contract. For full details regarding the salary structure and available benefits, applicants are advised to review associated materials provided by the program. 2

Application Requirements

Applications can be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), with specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident status. The program is capable of sponsoring H-1B visas, making it friendly towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants as well. It’s essential for candidates to be aware that eligibility for ABMS board certification in either Family Medicine or Internal Medicine is crucial. Any failed STEP exam history is not explicitly detailed; thus, it is advisable for interested applicants to seek additional guidance to clarify standards concerning exam performance. 1

Program Leadership

The fellowship is spearheaded by experienced leadership including the Program Director, who has a history of military service and extensive training in geriatric medicine. The Assistant Director is a recent graduate of the same fellowship, providing a bridge between the training experience and current fellows. This leadership structure is designed to foster an environment of growth and mentorship. 1