Madigan Army Medical Center Program

The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center offers a comprehensive training program in the field of Clinical Informatics. It is a unique program, being the only one of its kind within the Department of Defense, aimed at preparing fellows for leadership roles within the Defense Health Agency and associated Services.

Program Overview

This fellowship is a 2-year program, fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) that allows individuals to pursue advanced educational opportunities while working in a military medical setting. The program accepts a total of six fellows, with three positions available annually, which includes slots for Army, Air Force, and Navy candidates. The fellowship does not require a categorical year in any specialty, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants who have completed medical school and are board eligible or board certified in eligible specialties.

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship curriculum provides didactic training twice a week, with the scheduling tailored according to the master's program the fellows may choose to pursue concurrently. There is no call requirement, although specifics may vary based on individual agreements with the supporting department. Fellows will participate in various educational sessions at the Anderson Simulation Center located within Madigan Army Medical Center, which enhances practical learning experiences.

Research and Publication

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities during their training, with a focus on improving medical care throughout the enterprise. Graduates are eligible to take the American Board of Preventive Medicine or the American Board of Pathology Clinical Informatics Board Examination, which are offered annually. Such accreditation signifies the fellow's competence in this specialized area of medicine.

Training Locations

This program is exclusively conducted at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. The facility provides fellows with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in various aspects of clinical informatics while working closely with experienced faculty.

Special Features

The fellowship program offers several special features, such as the ability to concurrently pursue a Master's degree. This effectively broadens the knowledge base of the fellows while they receive practical training. Furthermore, fellows will have teaching opportunities by working with residency departments, participating in leadership summits, and presenting research findings at conferences.

Competitive Nature

The Clinical Informatics Fellowship is competitive, appealing to both military personnel and civilians with a strong background in medicine. The scoring for interview candidates is based on medical school performance, residency evaluations, military assignments, and research publications, making it essential for applicants to have a robust application.

Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates interested in applying to this program, visa sponsorship is available. The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, essential for non-US citizens wishing to reside in the United States during their educational training.

Well-Being Initiatives

The fellowship promotes the well-being of active duty military fellows by providing access to various support programs, including on-base childcare, educational opportunities, and recreational activities. Additional facilities such as gyms and outdoor activities available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord enhance the quality of life and foster a healthy work-life balance.