Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a comprehensive Endocrinology Fellowship Program that provides innovative, fellow-centered training. The program, which received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 2017, emphasizes clinical and academic proficiency over a two-year curriculum. This fellowship is designed for physicians who have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency program and are passionate about developing their expertise in endocrinology.

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program is hosted at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, the flagship campus of LVHN, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. This campus is equipped with over 1,000 hospital beds and serves as a major referral site for the region. Fellows have the opportunity to engage with a diverse patient population in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which enhances their clinical experience and training.

Curriculum

The fellowship is structured to promote competency-based educational goals for both years of training. Key objectives include developing effective patient care techniques, a thorough understanding of the basic and clinical sciences of endocrinology, and maintaining professionalism in medical practice. Fellows are expected to cultivate strong interpersonal and communication skills while effectively navigating the healthcare system.

Fellows spend time in various capacities, including being primary care providers, consultants, and teachers. The curriculum includes regular conferences, journal clubs, morbidity and mortality meetings, and interdisciplinary case discussions. In the second year, fellows participate in elective rotations, allowing them to tailor their training to specific career goals, such as pediatric endocrinology and nutrition.

Rotations and Exposure

The program offers a busy outpatient and inpatient practice with a variety of endocrine cases. Fellows gain hands-on experience across multiple specialty areas, including endocrinology in pregnancy, pediatric endocrinology, weight management, thyroid biopsy, and wound care. Additionally, the fellowship provides access to an endocrinology testing lab and a dedicated pump practice with an emphasis on diabetes education.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship. All fellows are required to engage in scholarly activities, which can take various forms, including clinical research, systematic literature reviews, and qualitative research. The program’s strong focus on academic excellence encourages fellows to contribute to advancing the field of endocrinology through research and publications.

Community Involvement

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program emphasizes community engagement. One notable initiative is Camp Red Jacket, a week-long day camp for children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Fellows can participate by mentoring children and overseeing camp activities, fostering both professional development and community connection.

Application Process and Competitiveness

To apply for the Endocrinology Fellowship, candidates must complete an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency and pass the USMLE/COMLEX Steps I, II, and III. The fellowship program accepts applications exclusively through the ERAS system. Both J1 and H1B visas are available for international applicants, making the program friendly for DO and IMG candidates. The competitiveness of the program is reflected in its appeal to a wide range of candidates seeking high-quality training in endocrinology.

Benefits and Support

The LVHN Endocrinology Fellowship offers various benefits, including long-term disability coverage, certifications (such as ACLS and BLS), access to wellness programs, free parking, and the opportunity to utilize the Endocrine Self Assessment Program (ESAP). The health network also supports fellows with competitive salaries and additional benefits.