Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, offers a one-year clinical training opportunity in the field of Sleep Medicine. This multidisciplinary fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to provide comprehensive clinical training across various aspects of Sleep Medicine, integrating diverse expertise from both the Brigham and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Fellows receive education that includes both clinical and didactic experiences under the supervision of faculty who hold academic positions at Harvard Medical School. They will be trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, as well as to conduct and interpret diagnostic tests, such as Sleep Studies. For those interested in research, a second year of fellowship is available focused primarily on research training while incorporating some ongoing clinical experience.1

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to ensure a robust understanding of the field. The fellows will cover various dimensions of Sleep Medicine encompassing different sleep disorders, treatments, patient management, and the practical application of leading-edge diagnostic techniques. Topics will include but are not limited to:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Circadian Rhythm Disorders
• Parasomnias
• Neurological Complications of Sleep

Fellows will rotate through different clinics within the participating hospitals, allowing them to interact with diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios that enhance their training experience.2

Training Sites

The fellowship experience will take place across several esteemed facilities within the Mass General Brigham system. This includes the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Program in the pediatric pulmonary unit of Mass General for Children. Time will be strategically allocated to each clinic to ensure fellows gain exposure to a variety of sleep disorders and clinical practices.3

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship. The division actively engages in a wide breadth of research activities, supported by funding from various agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Research topics vary and include studies in sleep physiology, pharmacology, and clinical epidemiology. Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects and develop their research skills further.4

Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants must be board-eligible or board-certified in one of several specialties, including Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Psychiatry, among others. Successful candidates typically possess strong clinical training backgrounds with additional preferences for prior research or academic achievements. The selection process is conducted through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). There are specific criteria regarding academic performance, including not exceeding a maximum number of failed STEP examinations.5

This fellowship is friendly towards diverse applicants, including those from Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), reflecting a commitment to fostering a rich learning environment.6

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship primarily for J-1 visa applicants. The J-1 visa is suitable for international medical graduates who are looking to pursue specialized training in the United States.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship not only focuses on clinical training but also emphasizes education, public awareness, and community engagement regarding sleep health. The division participates in various continuing medical education courses and collaborates with the Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine to enhance community and medical education outreach.7

In summary, the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers a robust, well-structured program with a combination of clinical training, research opportunities, and exposure to a variety of sleep disorders, preparing fellows to become competent specialists in the field of Sleep Medicine.