Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital Program

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is a prestigious ACGME-accredited training program designed to prepare physicians for careers in academic endocrinology and endocrinology clinical practice. This three-year fellowship is structured to include one year of intensive clinical training followed by up to two years focused on research, providing a comprehensive education in the field of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Endocrinology Fellowship is supported by the NIDDK and features a T32 training grant that offers salary and fringe benefits in accordance with NIH NRSA PGY levels. This structure allows fellows conducting mentored research in diabetes and other endocrine disorders to thrive in a highly productive and supportive environment 1.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is built upon an integrated approach. The first year focuses on clinical excellence, which involves extensive inpatient consultative services, where fellows are actively trained in endocrinology through daily rounds with faculty, peers, and medical residents 1. Fellows gain valuable patient care experience in specialized clinics, including the Diabetes Clinical Center, Lipid and Metabolism Associates, and Reproductive Endocrine Associates among others.

Following the clinical year, the subsequent years are devoted to research, allowing for exploration and depth in either basic or clinical investigations. Each fellow engages closely with faculty mentors to foster their research skills and independence 1.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum includes core lectures and didactic teaching, with a variety of conferences that allow fellows to engage deeply with topics in endocrinology. Weekly conferences such as Endocrine Grand Rounds, Calcium Rounds, and Diabetes/Thyroid Conferences provide forums for learning and professional development 1.

In addition to clinical and research experience, the program emphasizes the importance of teaching and mentorship. Fellows participate actively in the education of medical students and residents, enhancing both their teaching skills and clinical knowledge base 1.

Research Component

During the research years, fellows select projects from collaborative research units and receive comprehensive mentorship, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue independent research careers. The research curriculum includes weekly conferences, journal clubs, and grant-writing opportunities designed to foster independence and innovation 1. Moreover, the expectation is set for the fellows to write a grant under supervision to prepare them for future research funding applications, although it is not a requirement for the grant to be funded 1.

Application Process

The program offers up to four fellowship positions annually and processes applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must possess valid citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States. All submissions require key components such as a personal statement and letters of recommendation, positioning the program to attract qualified candidates who have completed at least two years of internal medicine residency 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, primarily accepting US citizens or permanent residents due to funding restrictions 1. They maintain stringent requirements that applicants must meet, including full completion of USMLE Steps I, II, and III by the start of the fellowship. While the program does not sponsor visas, it is essential for interested international medical graduates to understand these parameters when applying.

Unique Aspects

The Massachusetts General Hospital stands out with its distinguished faculty, who are leaders in the field of endocrinology and are committed to the academic growth of fellows. With over 35 faculty members contributing to the training process and extensive research opportunities, fellows benefit from a rich learning environment that encourages exploration and professional growth 1. Additionally, the long-standing tradition of excellence at Mass General provides a solid foundation upon which new fellows can build their careers.