Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science offers a one-year Sleep Medicine Fellowship at its Jacksonville, Florida campus. This fellowship is designed for physicians aiming to develop expertise in sleep medicine, a field that encompasses a wide range of disorders including sleep disordered breathing, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, and parasomnias. This multidisciplinary program is primarily focused on outpatient practices, which include consultative management, interpreting sleep studies, and the use of home sleep testing.

The fellowship is based in the Center for Sleep Medicine, located in the Basso Building. The Florida Sleep Disorders Center features an integrated clinic and laboratory with eight advanced video-EEG capable polysomnography beds, supported by a dedicated multispecialty team including faculty from pulmonary medicine, neurology, and neuropediatrics. As a fellow, candidates can expect to manage a broad spectrum of sleep disorders in both adult and pediatric populations, enhancing their diagnostic and clinical skills in a supportive educational environment 1.

Curriculum Overview

During the clinical training phase of the fellowship, fellows work closely under the supervision of experienced Mayo Clinic physician consultants across various specialties, including adult and pediatric neurology, psychiatry, and pulmonary medicine. Clinical responsibilities will involve assessing and treating a variety of sleep disorders in both clinic and hospital settings 3. The technical aspects of conducting polysomnography and other sleep tests will also be part of the curriculum, providing fellows with foundational practical skills necessary for the field.

The fellowship incorporates didactic training through various activities such as clinical and research conferences, journal clubs, and a lecture series, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Moreover, fellows are expected to undertake a clinical research project during their fellowship year, with mentorship provided for successful project completion and presentation at national meetings 3.

Research Opportunities

A strong emphasis on global and international scholarly activity serves as a hallmark of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship. Research training is integral, with each fellow encouraged to complete a project aimed at achieving full-length publication. This approach, combined with the fellowship's brief duration, facilitates focused experience and enhances the ability to direct sleep disorder centers post-fellowship 1.

Training Environment

The program's structure supports a dynamic learning atmosphere. Training adheres to the recommendations of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring fellows do not typically handle overnight or weekend call duties. Regular evaluation processes are implemented where fellows’ performances are assessed by supervising faculty, fostering a tailored educational experience 3.

Application Process

The fellowship accepts one fellow per academic year through a competitive application process. Eligibility requires completion of an accredited residency in internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, or family medicine. All applications must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and include required documents by July 31 of the preceding year 2.

Positions are filled through the Sleep Medicine Match facilitated by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Interviews are typically conducted in late August and September, providing insight into the program and its faculty members 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports J-1 visas for international medical graduates looking to enhance their education in the United States. The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, and although the program primarily attracts American medical graduates, it remains friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, reflecting a commitment to diverse educational backgrounds 1.

Teaching and Mentorship

Faculty members at the Florida Sleep Disorders Center engage actively in teaching, ensuring that fellows benefit from their extensive clinical practice and commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Additionally, fellows are given opportunities to serve as educators themselves, teaching rotating residents and medical students 4. Regular interactions with faculty advisers and visiting professors heighten the educational experience, enhancing both personal and professional development.