HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa North/Bayonet Point Hospital Program

The Rheumatology Fellowship Program at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, affiliated with the USF Morsani College of Medicine, is ACGME-accredited and offers two positions per PGY4 and PGY5 academic year, culminating in a total of four fellowship slots over two years.

At HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, fellows gain invaluable training through a robust curriculum that encompasses various clinical settings in the Tampa Bay area. The program is designed to provide an extensive outpatient and inpatient experience, equipping fellows with the necessary skills to manage patients with a spectrum of rheumatologic conditions.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship spans two years and includes both outpatient and inpatient training. The outpatient curriculum allows fellows to attend clinics at three distinct outpatient sites, enabling exposure to a diverse range of rheumatologic cases. Each clinic site is supervised by experienced faculty who provide direct oversight to ensure fellows gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical management.

Fellows also participate in selective rotations that focus on specialized areas such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and pediatric rheumatology, where they get hands-on experience working in a pediatric clinic associated with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Inpatient Experience

The inpatient training component is integrated into the program’s structure, offering additional experiences in physical medicine and rehabilitation, medical orthopedics, pain management, and acute care of rheumatic diseases. HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital is a 290-bed Level II Trauma Center, providing fellows with exposure to critical care settings tailored to rheumatology.

Didactic Training

The didactic aspect of the fellowship is substantial, featuring an array of conferences and workshops designed to enhance the fellows’ knowledge base and clinical skills. The didactic schedule includes Rheumatology Grand Rounds, Journal Club, Therapeutics Conference, Radiology Conference, Case Conference, and Clinicopathologic Conference, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities and discussions.

Benefits and Salary

Fellows in the program receive a competitive salary alongside various benefits. Some benefits offered include medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the HCA 401(k) plan. Candidates should note that exact salary details are subject to taxation and may vary.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, welcoming candidates from diverse medical backgrounds, including US graduates and international medical graduates. Special considerations might be extended to candidates with extensive prior research experience or unique qualifications. A strong academic record is essential, with candidates required to have passed USMLE Step 1 and both components of Step 2 for applicants graduating from international medical schools.

The Rheumatology Fellowship does not sponsor visas, and candidates must have appropriate certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) if applicable.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of this fellowship is the commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. The integration of diverse outpatient clinical experiences under the mentorship of skilled faculty aims to produce rheumatologists prepared for the challenges posed by contemporary patient care.

Additionally, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, and laboratory services ensures that fellows receive a high standard of training, equally emphasizing clinical acumen and technical competence.

Mission Statement

The fellowship program is dedicated to shaping the next generation of physician leaders in rheumatology by providing a rich educational environment. HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital emphasizes quality care and improvement of human life, aiming to develop fellows into highly skilled practitioners prepared to excel in the dynamic field of rheumatology.