Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center offers a robust and comprehensive educational experience aimed at developing specialists in geriatric medicine. The program leverages extensive resources from both institutions, ensuring that fellows receive a well-rounded education in the clinical aspects of geriatric care, as well as insights into the educational and administrative components that underpin this vital field.

Three fellowship positions are available for trainees, allowing them to provide comprehensive clinical care for geriatric patients under the supervision of expert faculty geriatricians. The program is designed to encompass the full spectrum of geriatric medicine, exposing fellows to a variety of care settings, which include:

Clinical Care Settings

1. Long-term institutional and non-institutional care.

2. Ambulatory primary care and ambulatory specialty care clinics.

3. Inpatient and outpatient consultative care.

4. Inpatient geriatric unit care experience.

5. Inpatient and outpatient gero-psychiatric care.

6. Inpatient and outpatient gero-rehabilitation care.

This array of clinical experiences is structured into a one-year clinical training track that includes various block and longitudinal rotations.

Block Rotations

The fellowship incorporates the following block rotations:

- DRH rotation: Three months of inpatient consultation.

- Presbyterian Village rotation: Two months focused on long-term care.

- VA Hospital rotation: Two months encompassing inpatient, long-term care, and home care.

- Clinics rotation: Two months in outpatient specialty care.

- Geropsychiatry rotation: A six-week program in inpatient and outpatient care.

Longitudinal Rotations

The longitudinal rotations include:

- Geriatric ambulatory primary care: Two half-days per week for one year.

- Long-term care: One half-day per week for one year.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the program offers opportunities for both clinical and basic research, allowing fellows to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to the field. This includes collaboration with faculty on research projects and the potential for presentations and publications.

Application Information

Applications for the fellowship are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine or Family Practice residency to be eligible for the program. This ensures that fellows have a solid medical foundation prior to entering the specialized training in geriatrics.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The fellowship is regarded as competitive, and it welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds including DO and IMG candidates. It is advisable for applicants to review specific application requirements, including graduation year limitations and acceptable performance on STEP exams, if applicable, to enhance their chances of selection.

In summary, the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Wayne State University and Detroit Medical Center is a comprehensive program designed to prepare fellows for a career in geriatric medicine through diverse clinical experiences, research opportunities, and a structured curriculum that addresses all facets of care for older adults.