Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Geriatrics Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers an exceptional training program focused on advancing healthcare quality for older adults and those with serious illnesses. Recognized for its robust framework, the program emphasizes the development of future leaders in geriatric medicine, aiming to equip graduates with the necessary skills to obtain certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Family Practice. This one- or two-year fellowship is among the largest in the United States and boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the respective geriatric certifying exam 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum of this fellowship is designed to support diverse learning experiences, including clinical training, didactic sessions, and leadership development. The two-year fellowship program incorporates 40 percent protected time dedicated to scholarly activity and research, while the core curriculum focuses on essential areas such as quality improvement and evidence-based medicine in geriatric and palliative care 1. The first year of fellowship emphasizes clinical requirements and experiences across various healthcare settings including ambulatory continuity, inpatient clinical care, and long-term care.

Fellows have several specialized tracks in the second year: the Clinician-Educator track, which includes comprehensive mentoring and curriculum development opportunities; the Clinical Research track, offering protected research time with senior faculty; and the Health Policy and Administration track, focusing on experiential learning in medical administration and leadership roles 1.

Special Programs and Honors

The fellowship offers unique opportunities including the Hartford Geriatrics Center of Excellence, a program designed to enhance the skills of geriatric educators. Fellows can also participate in the Master Clinician-Educator Program, which focuses on pedagogical skills pertinent to geriatrics education 1. Another notable feature is the Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Journal Club, which fosters critical appraisal skills among fellows and learners from various medical disciplines.

Research Component

Approximately 45 percent of the fellowship is dedicated to research activities, allowing fellows to create original projects aligned with the department's research themes such as aging neurobiology and palliative care 3. Each fellow is mentored by faculty and is encouraged to submit research findings to professional conferences, highlighting the program's commitment to fostering academic excellence in geriatrics.

Training Sites and Clinical Rotations

Clinical training is conducted across multiple locations, enabling fellows to engage with a diverse patient population. Major sites include the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the New Jewish Home, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel 2. The hands-on training involves not only hospital settings but also outpatient care, home visits, and nursing home rotations, allowing fellows to experience various aspects of geriatric care.

Application Requirements

Fellowship applicants must submit a comprehensive application through the Medicine Subspecialty Match, including a CV, personal statement, medical school transcript, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, applicants will need to provide documentation of their United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) performance and a dean's letter from their medical school 1.

Visa Support

The program supports applicants who require visa sponsorship, specifically offering J-1 and H-1B visa options. However, it is stipulated that applicants must reside in the United States at the time of application; those living abroad will not be considered 1.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, particularly geared towards those with a demonstrated commitment to geriatric medicine. While the program welcomes DO and IMG candidates, applicants should have strong academic records and requisite clinical experiences to enhance their competitiveness in the selection process.