George Washington University Program

The George Washington University Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program that aspires to cultivate future leaders in Geriatric Medicine through a rigorous and diverse training model. The fellowship is structured over one year and offers extensive clinical exposure across a range of healthcare settings, designed to prepare fellows to address the complex needs of older adults and patients with serious illnesses.

Curriculum and Training Sites

The curriculum encompasses various training locations, including geriatrics clinics, memory disorders clinics, home care programs, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, acute care hospitals, hospices, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. This diverse exposure allows fellows to gain comprehensive skills in geriatric medicine, focusing on both medical and psychosocial elements of patient care.

Training Components

Fellows participate in a multitude of experiences, including: weekly core conferences, personal mentoring, quality improvement projects, and master teacher training programs. These components are designed to hone skills in interdisciplinary team building, effective teaching, and leadership in the field of geriatrics. Additionally, fellows receive training in critical conversational skills through programs like Vital Talk, enabling them to excel in sensitive discussions with patients and families.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

Fellows rotate between several essential clinical sites including:

• Washington, DC, VA Medical Center: Here, fellows engage directly with patients in specialized clinics such as the Geriatrics Clinic, ALS clinic, and Geriatric and Palliative Medicine Consult Service, allowing for hands-on experience in various geriatric conditions.
• GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences: Fellows work within both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring exposure to a diverse patient population.
• Home Visits: Through the GW Medical Faculty Associates' Medical House Call Program, fellows participate in home-based care, gaining insights into geriatric patients' needs in their living environments.
• Capital Caring Inpatient Hospice: An immersive two-week experience in one of the largest regional hospice organizations, offering training in acute symptom management and end-of-life care.
• Thomas Circle Residences: A continuity nursing home where fellows learn to facilitate care services for residents.

Research Opportunities

Although a formal research project is not required, the fellowship encourages involvement in scholarly work. Fellows are supported in developing at least one project for publication or presentation, particularly at the annual meeting of The American Geriatrics Society. Mentorship is readily available, paving the way for innovative projects focusing on quality improvement in geriatric care.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes resiliency, self-care, and teamwork alongside clinical excellence. A strong focus is placed on preparing fellows to become experts in transition management and interdisciplinary leadership in geriatrics. Integrative Medicine is also a core component, with fellows exposed to comprehensive care approaches that encompass patient well-being in multiple dimensions.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible candidates include physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine Residency. The program is competitive, focusing on selecting candidates who will contribute to the field of geriatrics. As part of the application process, candidates must submit their CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. For international medical graduates, the program sponsors J1 visas, ensuring that IMGs who meet the criteria can apply. Candidates must also provide a certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at GW is considered highly competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including osteopathic and international medical graduates, who are passionate about geriatric care and demonstrate leadership potential. The program's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care makes it an appealing choice for future clinicians interested in this vital specialty.