MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program

The MedStar Health—Union Memorial Hospital Fellowship Program in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism is designed to provide a comprehensive clinical training curriculum over two years, which is accredited by the ACGME. This program specifically aims to cultivate adept clinical endocrinologists who are well-prepared for practicing in diverse healthcare settings.

Program Overview

The fellowship takes place at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, a community-based hospital in Baltimore with a strong emphasis on endocrinology. The hospital houses a Diabetes and Endocrine Center that serves as one of the busiest in Baltimore, which facilitates intensive training in both common and rare endocrine conditions 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around a series of didactic conferences and clinical rotations. Key features include:

• Weekly endocrine journal club
• Core curriculum conference (once or twice per week)
• Case conferences
• Endocrine tumor board sessions
• Monthly research or basic science conference

Fellows are expected to actively participate in and often present during these conferences, enhancing their educational experience 1.

Rotations

Fellows rotate in various services, including:

• Endocrine consult service at Union Memorial Hospital
• Required off-site rotations at local academic centers like Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center

This exposure allows fellows to encounter a spectrum of endocrine diseases that they might not see in a more localized setting, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and adrenal insufficiency 1.

Unique Features

The fellowship includes specialized clinics, such as:

• A dedicated thyroid continuity clinic for ultrasound procedures and fine needle aspirations
• Weekly continuity clinic to manage a variety of endocrine conditions

Moreover, fellows are granted hands-on control in interpreting DEXA scans and managing insulin pump therapy, which fortifies their competencies in diabetes care 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have access to numerous research opportunities and often engage in clinical research that is presented at national conferences, such as those held by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. The program encourages involvement in fellow-specific national meetings which enrich the learning experience 1.

Training Sites

Training occurs at several vital locations, including:

• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
• MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
• MedStar Washington Hospital Center
• Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center

Each site offers distinct clinical experiences and varying patient demographics, which is crucial for comprehensive endocrinology training 1.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program provides support for visa sponsorships, ensuring that international medical graduates can participate in training. Specifically, it sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, which facilitate the entry of qualified candidates from abroad 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive and is open to both MD and DO candidates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants are expected to submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Special requirements may include a maximum number of attempts on STEP exams, though specific numbers are not disclosed. Graduates must generally have finished their residency within a certain timeframe prior to applying, which is typically within the last 2-3 years 2.