Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Adolescent Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis is dedicated to preparing physicians for leadership roles in adolescent health, providing comprehensive training in both primary and tertiary care, clinical research, and advocacy. This esteemed program plays a crucial role in addressing the unique developmental needs of adolescents, who range from ages 11 to 21, with over 40,000 adolescent clinical visits conducted per year and an impressive annual research support exceeding $3 million.

One of the significant aspects of the program is its commitment to health advocacy. Faculty members actively engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of adolescents and young adults, and several hold leadership positions within the Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The program includes training for interdisciplinary trainees in advocacy practices aimed at improving adolescent well-being across Indiana and nationally 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The fellowship spans three years, encompassing a structured clinical training component contributing to approximately 50% of the fellows' time. This training is not only limited to adolescent health but also includes the opportunity to collaborate with nursing, social work, psychology, and other medical disciplines 5. The fellows engage in primary and specialty care through a variety of clinical rotations:

• The Adolescent Consultation Clinic at Riley Hospital provides care for complex conditions.
• The Gender Health Program oversees care for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
• The Adolescent & Young Adult Reproductive and Sexual Health Program caters to gynecological concerns.
• Fellows rotate through community-based adolescent clinics aimed at providing medical care to low-income teens in Marion County.
• The program also includes electives based on fellows' interests, which cover areas such as clinical ethics, dermatology, and palliative care.

Curriculum and Research Opportunities

Fellowship activities are robust and integrate didactic instruction with practical applications. Key curriculum components include supervised clinical experiences, educational seminars, and participation in interdisciplinary team projects. Each fellow receives mentorship from faculty across various specialties, ensuring a rich educational experience tailored to the specific interests and career goals of the trainees 5.

Research training is a significant aspect of the fellowship, with fellows engaging in meaningful research projects supported by extensive mentorship. Areas of focus may include clinical research, behavioral health, reproductive health, and sexual health. The program encourages fellows to present their findings at national conferences and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals 6. Additionally, fellows can pursue advanced degrees in public health or clinical research as part of their training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Indiana University School of Medicine's Adolescent Medicine Fellowship is among the nine national LEAH (Leadership Education in Adolescent Health) training programs, which fosters an environment of interdisciplinary education. This program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, actively recruiting individuals from varying backgrounds for fellowship opportunities 5. The collaborative nature of the training extends not only to clinical rotations but also to interdisciplinary research, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive adolescent health care.

Application Requirements

For prospective applicants, the program requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, or international graduates to have ECFMG certification. Candidates should have completed residency in an accredited program within the previous five years and must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and USMLE scores. Special attention is given to diversity initiatives, and the program encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply 5.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship program at Indiana University School of Medicine is highly competitive but does welcome International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and is known for its supportive environment for diverse applicants, including those with DO backgrounds. Visa sponsorship is available, typically for J-1 and H-1B categories, allowing international fellows to participate in this vital training experience 5.

Research and Community Engagement

The program is not solely focused on clinical practices; it revolves around the continuous pursuit of impactful research that engages both the community and academic entities. The research conducted by the adolescent medicine faculty aims to shape policies that affect the health and well-being of adolescents. Fellow research is designed to be interdisciplinary, drawing from the fields of psychology, public health, and medicine 6. The Center for HPV Research highlights ongoing efforts to understand HPV transmission and improve adolescent health outcomes through community-focused initiatives and educational outreach 7.