Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) offers a comprehensive two-year Rheumatology Fellowship designed to provide exceptional training in both clinical and academic settings. Initially accredited in 2016, the fellowship aims to prepare the fellows for successful careers in rheumatology, emphasizing innovation and personalized learning experiences.

Program Overview

The fellowship is based in a major healthcare provider, LVHN, which operates numerous campuses across the region, such as Allentown and Bethlehem. LVHN functions as a significant referral center within a 50-mile radius, allowing fellows to engage with a diverse patient population and gain extensive clinical experience from a wide array of rheumatic disorders. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, with opportunities to customize schedules according to fellows' interests and career aspirations 1.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will undergo rigorous clinical training that includes both inpatient and outpatient experiences. The structure allows for constant patient interactions, with fellows attending continuity clinics to maintain long-term relationships with patients while honing their therapeutic communication skills. This exposure facilitates a deep understanding of the socioeconomic and cultural factors affecting patient care 1.

During the fellowship, there are structured rotations, including:

• Inpatient Rheumatology: Conducted Monday through Friday for the first and second-year fellows, focusing on the management of hospitalized patients with rheumatologic issues.
• Ambulatory Rheumatology: Outpatient clinics are scheduled for various half-days each week, providing continuity of care in a private practice environment.
• Consult Rotations: Each fellow will spend twelve months over two years in consult rotations, fostering the acquisition of knowledge and skills for diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellows at LVHN are encouraged to actively participate in research activities. They will collaborate with faculty members to develop research projects designed to address specific questions, employing techniques taught during the fellowship training. Notably, each fellow will partake in a quality improvement project and treat their research experience as a longitudinal endeavor, inclusive of dedicated research time 5.

The program provides substantial infrastructure support, including expertise from the Network Office of Research and Innovation (NORI). This assistance will encompass research design consultation, biostatistical support, and resources for grant writing and publication 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes didactic learning through various conferences, including weekly case presentations, journal clubs, and specialty conferences to facilitate continuous learning and engagement with the rheumatology literature. These activities are designed to enhance fellows' skills in data analysis and clinical management while fostering a collaborative learning environment 4.

Benefits and Compensation

Fellows receive a competitive salary along with specific program-related benefits. They are given memberships and resources, such as covered fees for the American College of Rheumatology and various educational workshops designed to further enhance their fellowship experience 2.

Application Requirements

The Rheumatology Fellowship accepts two fellows every year and mandates the completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency program. Candidates must successfully pass all USMLE or COMLEX examinations and can apply with J1 or H1B visas, as observerships or externships are not offered by the program 6.

The application process is exclusive to the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service), with completed applications due by August 31st. Interviews typically occur in September and October, granting applicants the opportunity to learn about the program and meet current fellows 6.

Faculty and Alumni

The fellowship is supported by a robust faculty of board-certified rheumatologists, each bringing diverse expertise and dedication to education. This experienced faculty not only provides mentorship but also engages fellows in an enriching academic environment that promotes the development of clinical skills through real-world application 3.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

There is a competitive aspect to the application for this fellowship, particularly as it maintains a reputation for producing competent clinicians in the field of rheumatology. The program is friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates, offering the necessary support for J1 and H1B visa sponsorships, making it accessible for international medical graduates 6.

Life in the Lehigh Valley

Located in a rapidly growing region, the Lehigh Valley offers a favorable living environment with a lower cost of living compared to surrounding metropolitan areas. It is conveniently situated about 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 80 miles west of New York City, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility for those who wish to enjoy a balanced lifestyle while pursuing their fellowship 1.