Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program
Location:
Las Vegas, NVSpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1513114159The Geriatric Fellowship Program at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is an accredited one-year program tailored for medical professionals seeking advanced training in geriatric care. Established in 2019, the program accepts two fellows each year, focusing on improving competencies related to care for older adults.
Program Mission and Aims
The core mission of the Geriatric Fellowship Program is to enhance geriatric care and train proficient fellows in addressing the complexities of aging populations. The program aims to ensure that fellows acquire comprehensive medical knowledge, professional communication skills, practice-based learning, and system-based practice experiences as per the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 1. It seeks to address the shortages in the geriatrics workforce by training and retaining fellows within Nevada.
Curriculum Highlights
Fellows participate in a diverse curriculum that includes an array of didactic lectures and practical learning experiences designed to foster the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to older adults and their caregivers. A key component involves specialized training opportunities in various clinical settings that help develop clinical and translational research skills in geriatrics 1.
Rotations and Training Sites
The Geriatric Fellowship encompasses rotations through a variety of settings, including:
- Inpatient geriatric consults at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada.
- Long-term care experiences at Mission Pines Nursing and Rehab Center.
- Primary and consultative geriatric care at UNLV Health clinics.
- Home-based primary care services via Southern Nevada VA Health System.
- Participating in telehealth services through UNLV Health and the Southern Nevada VA Health System.
- Engagement in specialized care settings including geriatric psychiatry, wound care, physical medicine, dental care, podiatry, hospice, and palliative care at the Southern Nevada VA Health System 1.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship offers fellows chances to engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations, including work with the UNLV College of Engineering and the School of Public Health. Key research initiatives include:
- Machine Learning-based Prediction Modeling for drug overdose and suicide.
- Smart Home Technology Projects aimed at analyzing mobility patterns and enhancing advance care plans.
- Big data analyses assessing the effects of cannabis legalization on opioid-related health outcomes among older adults.
- Research focused on social determinants of dementia among sexual minority older adults 1.
Professional Development
Fellows have continuous access to professional development opportunities, including bi-weekly Geriatric Grand Rounds and monthly seminars, critical for enhancing geriatric medical knowledge and community engagement 1.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Geriatric Fellowship Program, applicants must submit:
- A current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Evidence of completion of an ACGME accredited internal medicine or family medicine residency.
- An application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Visa and Competitiveness
The fellowship program is known to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). This inclusivity is enhanced by the availability of visa sponsorship for H-1B and J-1 visa types, facilitating international participation in the fellowship 1.
In terms of competitiveness, the selection criteria are rigorous but not overly restrictive; fellows from diverse backgrounds, including those with previous unsuccessful attempts at examinations, are given consideration, promoting a diverse range of experiences within the cohort.
Diversity and Community Engagement
The program emphasizes commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both its training environment and patient care approach, aiming to foster a supportive atmosphere for individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups in medicine.
Conclusion
The Geriatric Fellowship Program at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine is positioned as a valuable training ground for physicians interested in specializing in the care of older populations, and its multifaceted structure aims to equip fellows with the necessary skills to thrive in the field of geriatrics.
References
1. Geriatric Fellowship | Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV | University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$63,156First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Las Vegas, NV
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Las Vegas, NV
- Crime Rate and Safety: Las Vegas has a moderate crime rate, with certain areas that may be less safe, especially late at night. It is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas and downtown.
- Fun Activities: Las Vegas is known for its entertainment industry, world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and various shows and events. Outdoor activities like hiking in Red Rock Canyon or exploring Lake Mead are also popular.
- Climate: Las Vegas has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Expect scorching temperatures in the summer months and cooler weather in the winter.
- Races and Population: Las Vegas is a diverse city with a mix of cultures, including a significant Hispanic and African American population.
- Education: Las Vegas has a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than in many other major cities, particularly in terms of housing costs. However, utility costs and healthcare expenses may be higher.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Las Vegas is relatively isolated, with larger cities like Los Angeles approximately a 4-5 hour drive away. However, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the entertainment capital of the world.
- Pros: Vibrant entertainment scene, diverse population, lower cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Cons: High summer temperatures, certain areas with higher crime rates, isolated location.
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