Geisinger Health System Program

The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at Geisinger Health System is designed for physicians who wish to lead and innovate within the burgeoning field of clinical informatics. This two-year fellowship is accredited by the ACGME and welcomes any physician who has completed an ACGME-accredited residency in any specialty. Geisinger's commitment to using technology to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes positions this fellowship at the forefront of clinical informatics practice.

Participants in the fellowship will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that explores various facets of clinical informatics. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, where fellows gain substantial experience with clinical and health information systems across the Geisinger integrated health system. The clinical informatics team is a multidisciplinary one, comprised of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and IT specialists, working collaboratively to drive advancements in patient care.

Curriculum

The core curriculum of the fellowship aligns with ACGME requirements and includes a diverse array of educational modalities. Fellows will partake in face-to-face didactics sessions, supplemented with online learning opportunities. They will participate in national virtual case conferences and annual fellows' retreats. The program encourages fellows to lead case conferences and journal clubs, fostering leadership skills early in their training.

Further enrichment of the fellowship experience includes training at Epic’s Wisconsin headquarters, where fellows earn physician builder certification. This exposure ensures that fellows are well-versed in industry-standard practices and tools governing clinical informatics.

Research and Project Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship. Geisinger maintains a robust research agenda focused on areas such as Advanced Application Development, Biomedical and Translational Informatics, Genomic Medicine, and healthcare analytics. Fellows are expected to engage in original research, present their findings at national conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals, solidifying their place in the academic community.

Fellows also have the opportunity to engage in various projects that improve clinical workflows and informatics tools within the institution. Previous fellow-led projects have included optimization of order sets in emergency medicine and pediatrics, the development of training programs for residents, and implementation of document templates aimed at enhancing electronic health record efficiency. This breadth of practical experience equips fellows with the skills needed to address real-world healthcare challenges.

Clinical Practice

To ensure continuous clinical skill development, fellows practice medicine part-time, dedicating approximately 20% of their time to clinical duties within a flexible framework. This arrangement allows them to remain clinically active while focusing predominantly on informatics training.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program offers visa support for international medical graduates, typically sponsoring H-1B visas for eligible applicants. The fellowship attracts a diverse group of candidates, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates, making it relatively DO and IMG friendly. This diversity enriches the fellowship experience and fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are welcomed from physicians who have completed or will complete an ACGME-accredited residency before the start date. The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service and the American Medical Informatics Association match. Special application requirements include proof of completion of residency, and candidates should ideally have no more than one failed attempt on any of the Step examinations.

Teaching and Faculty Engagement

Fellows will have ample opportunities to teach and mentor students at the Geisinger College of Health Sciences, providing experience that is crucial for career development in academic medicine. The clinical informatics faculty represent a rich diversity of expertise, enabling fellows to learn from leaders in various aspects of clinical informatics.

The fellowship is located in Danville, PA, a community known for its charm and scenic beauty, providing a conducive environment for both work and leisure. Geisinger serves over one million patients, enhancing its fellows' exposure to innovative practices in healthcare.