Johns Hopkins University/Bayview Medical Center Program

The Johns Hopkins Sleep Medicine Program at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center offers an extensive fellowship in sleep medicine, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach towards evaluation and treatment of various sleep disorders. Established in the mid-1970s, the program has continually evolved, reflecting advancements in sleep medicine and an enduring commitment to research and clinical excellence.

Within the Sleep Disorders Center, the fellowship program focuses on multiple dimensions of sleep medicine, preparing trainees to diagnose and manage conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, narcolepsy, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, and movement disorders associated with sleep, such as restless legs syndrome. The clinic includes a behavioral medicine component for insomnia patients, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as part of the treatment regimen 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously designed to encompass both clinical and research training opportunities. Fellows gain exposure to a comprehensive range of sleep laboratory testing, including polysomnography and portable sleep monitoring. Training is supplemented through experience in the behavioral medicine clinic, allowing fellows to learn and apply CBT techniques for managing insomnia patients.

Fellows also engage in rotations across various departments and specialties relevant to sleep medicine, including psychiatry, neurology, pulmonary and critical care medicine. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the fellows' ability to consider each patient holistically and to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals 2.

Clinical Training Sites

Primary clinical training occurs at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, a facility renowned for its specialized services in sleep medicine. The program provides access to two accredited sleep laboratories equipped for a wide range of diagnostic procedures. These facilities support various testing modalities, including overnight polysomnography and therapeutic titration for CPAP and bi-level positive airway pressure. Research studies are conducted through the Sleep Core Laboratory, which plays a pivotal role in advancing the field 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program, with numerous ongoing studies that address critical issues in sleep medicine. Fellows are expected to engage in research projects, contributing to a robust body of knowledge that informs clinical practice. Access to the General Clinical Research Center facilitates fellows' involvement in research focused on sleep disorders 1.

Visa Support and Types

The program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, ensuring access for a diverse range of applicants. Typically, the program can support J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating both fellows and researchers from abroad 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Johns Hopkins Sleep Medicine Fellowship is recognized as a highly competitive program, attracting applicants from various backgrounds, including US MDs, DOs, and international medical graduates (IMGs). While the program values diverse experiences, certain special application requirements must be met. Candidates may have limitations on the number of failed USMLE/COMLEX exams and must typically demonstrate a strong clinical background, along with a commitment to the field of sleep medicine.

Specific eligibility criteria may include a year of graduation requirement, where applicants are generally expected to have graduated from medical school within a specified timeframe before applying. A robust letter of recommendation from a sleep medicine physician is highly advantageous for applicants 2.

Faculty and Staff

The fellowship program boasts a diverse range of faculty members from various disciplines, including psychiatry, neurology, pulmonary medicine, and behavioral science. This diverse expertise enhances the training experience, providing fellows with a comprehensive perspective on managing sleep disorders.

Faculty members are highly respected in their fields, encompassing leaders in sleep research and clinical practice. The program encourages mentorship relationships that foster academic growth and professional development among fellows.