Geisinger Health System Program
Location:
Wilkes-Barre, PASpecialty:
Sleep medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5204114002The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Geisinger Health System offers a comprehensive training program designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to diagnose and treat both adult and pediatric sleep disorders. This multidisciplinary fellowship is particularly suitable for physicians who have completed primary training in various specialties, including internal medicine, family medicine, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesia, or otolaryngology.
During the one-year fellowship, fellows will work alongside a diverse faculty that brings a wealth of clinical expertise and research experience. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to sleep medicine, incorporating cutting-edge research and advanced technologies to enhance the training experience. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with a broad patient population from urban, suburban, and rural settings, allowing for a well-rounded educational experience in managing chronic respiratory failure, home mechanical ventilation, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
Curriculum and Rotations
The fellowship curriculum is organized around several key rotations, which include:
- Adult Sleep Medicine
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Failure/Home Mechanical Ventilation Clinic
- Inpatient Consultations
- Sleep Study Interpretation
- EEG Interpretation
- Otolaryngology Clinic
- Clinical Psychology
These rotations are designed to ensure that fellows gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience across all areas of sleep medicine, including management of various sleep disorders such as hypersomnias, insomnia, parasomnias, and sleep breathing disorders.
Clinical Training Facilities
Geisinger Sleep Medicine operates nine sleep clinics and 34 lab beds throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, positioning fellows to receive necessary training in a resource-rich environment. The primary site for the fellowship is Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, the largest sleep medicine clinic in the system. This clinic features dedicated adult and pediatric sleep medicine clinics alongside an eight-bed sleep lab. A key aspect of training will also involve participation in the Geisinger durable medical equipment (DME) company, which ensures comprehensive patient management.
In addition to traditional in-lab polysomnography, the program boasts a robust home sleep test initiative, conducting nearly 200 home sleep tests per month in the region. This aspect of training will provide fellows with crucial experience in evaluating and managing patients in their own environments.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The fellowship underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing complex sleep disorders. Clinical partners within the Geisinger system facilitate comprehensive care, enhancing treatment strategies including cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, surgical management for sleep apnea, and mechanical ventilation support.
Research Opportunities
With Geisinger being an early adopter of the Epic Electronic Medical Record system, fellows are presented with significant research opportunities. The extensive data available through this system allows for innovative research projects that fellows are encouraged to pursue and publish.
Program Goals
The overarching goals of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship include:
- Training compassionate physicians capable of providing comprehensive sleep disorder care across all age groups.
- Educating fellows on the business of sleep medicine, including the role of a medical director of a sleep lab.
- Promoting personal wellness and healthy sleep habits while developing leadership and academic skills.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, facilitating J-1 and H-1B visa options, thus promoting inclusivity and diversity in its fellowship cohorts. The competitiveness of the program is reflected in its strong focus on producing skilled clinicians in sleep medicine, making it highly regarded among applicants.
While the program is inviting to a variety of backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG pathways, a completed primary training and a good performance on medical licensing exams are essential for applicants. Special application requirements may include a limit on the number of failed licensing exams.
Website
Director
Sreelatha Naik, MDProgram Director, Sleep Medicine Fellowship Appointed Since September 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,839First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Wilkes Barre, PA
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, Wilkes Barre offers a mix of suburban and urban living. Here are some key aspects of living in Wilkes Barre:
- Crime Rate and Safety: The crime rate in Wilkes Barre is slightly higher than the national average, but certain neighborhoods are considered safer than others. It is advisable to research specific areas for safety concerns.
- Fun Activities: Wilkes Barre provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby Pocono Mountains. The city also has a vibrant arts scene with theaters, museums, and galleries.
- Climate: Wilkes Barre experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy colorful fall foliage and winter snow for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: The population of Wilkes Barre is diverse, with a mix of Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents contributing to the city's cultural identity.
- Education: Wilkes Barre is home to several colleges and universities, providing educational opportunities and contributing to a dynamic student population in the area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Wilkes Barre is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside with reasonable housing costs.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Wilkes Barre is approximately 2 hours away from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City by car. Residents can access the amenities of these major cities for weekend getaways or entertainment.
Overall, Wilkes Barre offers a mix of affordability, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences for residents. Pros include affordable housing and proximity to major cities. Cons may include the slightly higher crime rate in certain areas.
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