Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program
Location:
Milwaukee, WISpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1515631048Program Overview
The Geriatrics Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) focuses on preparing physicians for the care of older adults. It provides a comprehensive training experience in various clinical settings, including clinics, nursing homes, and through home visits.
1This program trains physicians primarily from Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, reflecting the growing demand for skilled Geriatricians in response to an aging population. The fellowship duration is designed to be one year, with an emphasis on developing competencies in patient care, medical knowledge, and the option for research and educational pursuits.
1Training Structure
The fellowship program’s structure includes critical components: patient care experiences, a core educational curriculum, and research opportunities. The curriculum spans from July 1 to June 30, although fellows can sometimes adjust the start date to better meet their needs.
1Patient Care Experience
The patient care experience is central to the fellowship. It builds on fellows' previous training in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, integrating them into clinically supervised environments. Training includes rotations in various facilities, such as:
- VA Geriatrics Consults
- Inpatient geriatrics assessment and treatment/rehab at Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Geriatrics primary care continuity clinic at the VA Medical Center
- Home visits through Home Care Medical and Horizon Home Care and Hospice
- Palliative Care inpatient rotations
- Community Care for the Elderly outpatient center
Core Curriculum Educational Experiences
The program ensures that educational content meets diverse learning styles. Among the teaching formats are:
- Weekly Geriatrics Division Journal Club
- Interest rounds focusing on challenging patient cases
- Interdisciplinary team rounds
- Online mini-courses on geriatrics topics
- Participation in a regional telephone forum
- Weekly conferences for fellows
- Monthly combined fellowship conferences
Key topics include Geriatric Assessment, Drug Therapy in the Elderly, and economics of aging, ensuring fellows emerge with robust knowledge essential for practicing Geriatric Medicine.
1Research Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to engage in research, with structured experiences tailored to their interests. There are monthly research seminars showcasing ongoing faculty research and allowing fellows to cultivate their own projects. Time is allocated within the program for fellows to focus on research initiatives or quality improvement projects.
1Application Prerequisites and Competitiveness
To apply for the fellowship, candidates need an MD or DO degree and board eligibility to take the Internal Medicine or Family Medicine Board Exam. Completing a graduate medical education program in one of these areas is also required. The program is moderately competitive and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including DO and IMG physicians.
1Visa Sponsorship
The fellowship program offers visa support. Eligible positions may be sponsored under J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating entry for international medical graduates interested in the program.
1Unique Aspects of the Program
The Medical College of Wisconsin hosts the first Medicine-Geriatrics combined residency program in the nation, providing a unique educational framework that allows trainees to merge their Internal Medicine residency training with Geriatric Medicine. This innovative approach fosters a better understanding of both disciplines, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to older patients.
3The fellowship program also enjoys a vibrant community of residents and fellows who collaborate and support each other, creating an enriching learning environment.
3Further Opportunities and Leadership
Fellows and residents are not only prepared to provide exceptional patient care but also encouraged to pursue leadership roles within the field of Geriatric Medicine. The program fosters relationships with faculty mentors, who guide career planning and provide insights into research and educational opportunities.
3Website
Director
Angela Beckert, MDProgram Director, Geriatrics/Gerontology Appointed Since August 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Milwaukee, WI
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Living in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI, offers a unique living experience with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Milwaukee has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's important to research neighborhoods before choosing a place to live.
- Fun Activities: Milwaukee is known for its vibrant arts scene, breweries, cultural events, and beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Climate: Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowy winters.
- Races and Population: Milwaukee is a diverse city with a significant African American population. The city also has a growing Hispanic community.
- Education: Milwaukee has several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Milwaukee is relatively affordable compared to other major cities, making it attractive for residents.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Chicago is about 90 miles away from Milwaukee, which can be reached by a 1.5-2 hour drive. Chicago offers big city amenities and diverse opportunities.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural scene, proximity to Lake Michigan.
Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, harsh winters.
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