Kaiser Permanente Southern California (Los Angeles) Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship program at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC) is designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in geriatric medicine. The mission of the program is to train ethical, resilient geriatricians committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for diverse elderly populations. As part of Kaiser Permanente, a leading healthcare organization servicing a significant proportion of Californians, fellows will have the opportunity to practice evidence-based, comprehensive medical care in various settings.

Since its initial accreditation in 1991, the fellowship has offered a robust curriculum that balances direct patient care with scholarly activities. Situated in a metropolitan area with a large elderly demographic, fellows engage in addressing a wide array of geriatric syndromes and chronic conditions. The program seeks applicants from both Family Medicine and Internal Medicine backgrounds, requiring them to have graduated from an ACGME or AOA accredited residency program. This inclusivity encourages a diverse cohort of fellows who can benefit from a comprehensive training experience.

Curriculum

The fellowship encompasses a year-long curriculum that provides extensive exposure to all core geriatric areas, with a particular focus on palliative medicine. The program combines direct patient care responsibilities with academic and research opportunities. Fellows engage in a longitudinal learning experience that includes block rotations in various settings such as clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital care, allowing them to develop a well-rounded approach to geriatric medicine.

Fellows participate in group didactic sessions, critical literature appraisal, and fellow-led lectures, providing a rich environment for developing medical knowledge. A strong emphasis on scholarly inquiry and quality improvement is evident, with dedicated time for fellows to engage in projects that enhance their learning while contributing to departmental advancements.

Facilities

Fellows conduct their training at both the LAMC and the Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles (WLA) campuses, which provide a diverse patient population that enhances their clinical experience. They also manage patients at contracted nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and the LAMC Family Practice Center, ensuring exposure to various care environments.

Faculty

The program boasts a high faculty-to-fellow ratio with over 20 board-certified faculty members. This structure ensures individualized attention and mentorship from experienced geriatricians. The faculty's diverse expertise covers a variety of clinical interests, fostering a rich learning environment for fellows. Faculty members are involved in guiding fellows through their scholarly projects and providing support during clinical rotations.

Fellows and Support

The program maintains a supportive atmosphere where fellows are considered junior colleagues. The collaborative environment encourages inquiry and peer learning, allowing fellows to develop essential skills vital for their future practice. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities like regional and national conferences, creating opportunities for professional networking and personal growth.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles offers visa support for international medical graduates. The program provides sponsorship for J-1, H-1B, and Green Card visas, essential for eligible fellows coming from outside the U.S. Notably, the fellowship is regarded as competitive, accommodating various backgrounds with a friendly stance towards DO and IMG applicants, cultivating an enriching mix of perspectives within the cohort.

Application Requirements and Timeline

Applicants must note specific requirements such as the year of graduation and any limitations on failed Step exams. The application process is overseen by the program's administrative team, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early, as interview slots may fill quickly. The next cohort will have two available positions starting July 1, 2025, with the application deadline set for September 2, 2024.

The application timeline for the program involves several critical dates, including the opening of ERAS on June 5, 2024, and various match-related deadlines.