Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital offers a one-year, ACGME-approved training focused on the comprehensive care of older adults throughout diverse health care settings. Aimed at cultivating the next generation of geriatricians, the program emphasizes an integrative understanding of the physical, psychological, social, and environmental needs of aging patients. By undergoing this fellowship, participants hone their skills in providing care for individuals aged 65 and older, becoming adept at navigating various care settings, including ambulatory, acute, sub-acute, and home environments.

Fellows engage in a broad spectrum of clinical experiences, under the supervision of expert faculty from Mass General and affiliated sites. The fellowship's curriculum is primarily structured around competency-based education, ensuring that fellows develop critical skills during the program. Fellows undertake a total of 13 distinct block rotations, each lasting four weeks, which cover crucial areas such as Palliative Care, interdisciplinary ambulatory care, specialty clinics, Geriatric Psychiatry, Dementia Care, East Boston PACE, Geriatric Evaluation and Management, and various elective opportunities. Notably, the fellowship integrates longitudinal patient care through weekly primary care continuity at the MGH Geriatric Medicine Clinic, alongside monthly Nursing Home panels and home visits, all designed to foster ongoing patient engagement and continuity of care.

One of the key features of this fellowship is its strong emphasis on research and academic development. In alignment with its mission to prepare fellows for impactful careers in academia, the program offers a Second Year Geriatric Medicine Fellowship for those interested in pursuing advanced training in geriatric research or medical education. This second year leverages partnerships with various esteemed institutions, including the Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs) and the National Institute on Aging. Moreover, fellows have the opportunity to apply for the Mass General Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine's two-year Bridge-The-Gap T32 Research Fellowship, aimed at equipping physicians with the skills necessary for a successful academic research career focused on improving the quality of life for older adults.

Weekly didactic activities are integral to the program's curriculum. Offering a holistic educational approach, the fellowship features Geriatric didactic sessions, Grand Rounds, monthly Journal Clubs, and quarterly Quality Improvement seminars. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to partake in specialized training provided through Mass General Brigham's Centers of Expertise, which cover topics like Global and Community Health, Healthcare Quality, and Medical Education, further enhancing their educational experience.

Research involvement is encouraged, and fellows can explore numerous areas, including Geriatric Oncology, Geriatric Cardiology, and Dementia research. The program is supported by the Center for Aging and Serious Illness, which fosters collaboration among researchers to innovate solutions for prevalent health-related challenges faced by older populations.

Concerning application requirements, applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine and be ABIM or ABFM board-certified or board-eligible. Candidates must also complete all three USMLE steps and present a valid ECFMG certificate if they are foreign medical graduates. The program accepts applicants with H-1B or J-1 visas, providing a pathway for international medical graduates to participate in the fellowship.

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is highly selective, given its reputation for excellence and the comprehensive nature of its training. It typically offers two fellowship positions each academic year through the National Matching Program, ensuring a competitive selection process for candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants.

In summary, fellowship candidates seeking a dynamic, rigorous training experience in Geriatric Medicine will find the program at Massachusetts General Hospital to be comprehensive and enriching, providing a robust platform for advancing their careers in this vital field of medicine.