Hackensack University Medical Center Program

The Geriatric Internal Medicine Fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center represents a premier educational opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in geriatric medicine. The program is ACGME-accredited and is part of a collaborative education consortium encompassing all geriatrics fellowship programs throughout New Jersey. This fellowship is distinguished by its commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to the elderly, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary training across diverse care settings.

Fellows in the program receive training from some of the nation’s leading geriatric specialists, preparing them to be at the forefront of innovations in the field. The curriculum is designed to enable fellows to develop proficiency in geriatric medicine, enhancing their clinical skills through extensive training experiences at various sites, such as acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation facilities, and hospice care. This in-depth clinical exposure is critical for fellows seeking board eligibility in geriatrics.1

Program Structure

The fellowship consists of a one-year training program, admitting two positions annually for board-eligible candidates from internal medicine or family medicine backgrounds. By leveraging the resources of Hackensack University Medical Center, fellows are afforded comprehensive training that includes a wide array of clinical rotations.

Clinical Rotations

Rotational training within the program includes:

• Ambulatory care
• Inpatient care, particularly in the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit
• Inpatient hospice care
• Long-term and skilled nursing facilities
• Assisted living and home care settings

Additionally, fellows gain familiarity with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, quality improvement initiatives, coding, and clinical documentation, which are crucial for effective practice in geriatric medicine.1

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in various educational conferences and workshops. These include:

• Fellowship Consortium, a collaborative lecture series with all geriatric fellowship programs in New Jersey
• Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society
• New York Metropolitan Area Consortium for Geriatrics
• Internal medicine board review and geriatrics review sessions
• Case conferences and journal clubs
• Geriatric grand rounds and ambulatory didactic sessions
• Quality assurance meetings

This comprehensive conference schedule not only enhances fellows' knowledge but also fosters an environment conducive to networking and professional growth.1

Community Outreach and Administrative Involvement

The program places a strong emphasis on community involvement. Fellows participate in outreach initiatives with organizations such as the Health Awareness Regional Program and the Alzheimer’s Association. Furthermore, faculty and fellows engage in numerous administrative communities within Hackensack University Medical Center, ensuring that they are involved in the operational aspects of geriatric care through various service lines.1

Application Details and Competitiveness

The application process for this fellowship is competitive. Candidates are typically required to have completed their training in internal medicine or family medicine. Backgrounds from DO and IMG applicants are welcomed, supportive of a diverse applicant pool. There are no specific year of graduation restrictions, though candidates should have a strong academic foundation. Additionally, the program does not impose strict regulations on the maximum number of failed STEP exams, fostering inclusivity for aspiring fellows in geriatrics.2

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor certain types of visas, including J-1 and H-1B visa categories. This allows qualified international medical graduates to apply for the fellowship and benefit from the rich educational opportunities within the program.2