HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa South Program

The HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa South Program in Rheumatology is structured to provide comprehensive education and training to aspiring rheumatologists. The program emphasizes a balance of clinical practice, research, and education, all of which are facilitated by the affiliations and resources of the USF Health system.

Mission and Aims

The mission of the Graduate Medical Education Office, which the program adheres to, is to promote excellence in education, research, and patient care through a collaborative learning environment. This includes actively engaging in recruitment strategies that foster a diverse applicant pool, nurturing resilient physicians, and addressing health disparities in the community 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The rheumatology fellowship includes extensive clinical training with a wide array of patient interactions, emphasizing common and complex rheumatologic diseases. Fellows will have opportunities to engage in various subspecialty rotations across affiliated institutions, including Tampa General Hospital and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. This exposure provides an invaluable breadth of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as involvement in multidisciplinary team care 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the program, encouraging fellows to partake in both clinical and basic science investigations. The program offers research resources through the RISE office, which supports projects that focus on improving patient care and outcomes in rheumatologic diseases. Fellows have access to numerous databases, guidelines, and mentoring to facilitate their research endeavors 3.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME program is particularly notable for its commitment to diversity and inclusion among its trainees. The Culture, Engagement & Enrichment Committee works towards ensuring that all residents and fellows have equitable access to educational opportunities and resources 4. Program participants are encouraged to engage with various initiatives that promote cultural humility, health equity, and overall community wellness.

Training Sites

Training occurs at multiple esteemed institutions, including:

• Tampa General Hospital - The primary teaching hospital affiliated with USF Health, hosting a vast range of specialties and substantial clinical training for residents.
• James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital - Offers unique training in care for veterans and exposure to a variety of complex medical cases.
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center - Facilitates specialty training with a focus on oncologic rheumatology, allowing fellows to work in a nationally recognized cancer center.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by offering sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This is particularly beneficial for internationally trained medical graduates, allowing a pathway to complete their residency or fellowship in the U.S. 5.

Competitiveness

The application process for the program is competitive, yet it remains open to a diverse range of applicants, including U.S. graduates, DOs, and international medical graduates (IMGs). Prospective fellows should demonstrate commitment to the field of rheumatology through clinical experience, research participation, and letters of recommendation. A maximum of one failure on the Step exams is typically acceptable 6.

Application Requirements

Eligibility criteria include graduation from medical school within a specified timeframe and completion of the necessary core residency training. Candidates are also expected to have passed the USMLE or COMLEX examinations, with specifics detailed in the program guidelines 7.

Wellness and Support Programs

The program prioritizes the well-being of its residents and fellows. The Resident Assistance Program is available 24/7 to provide confidential support for both personal and professional challenges. This includes counseling services, wellness initiatives, and stress management resources 8.

Stipends and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive stipends, health insurance, and other benefits consistent with national standards. The program also provides employees tuition support for relevant educational endeavors 9.