MedStar Health Georgetown University (D.C.) Program

Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship Overview

The MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship is a comprehensive two-year program, with an option for a third research-oriented year, designed to equip fellows with the requisite skills for subspecialty certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine. This fellowship is characterized by extensive clinical exposure and deliberate research training, aiming to foster future leaders in the field of endocrinology.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship is structured to ensure a combination of inpatient consultations and outpatient clinic experiences during the two years of training. Fellows start with in-patient consultations on clinical wards and manage outpatient care in Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics.

First Year: The first-year curriculum includes:

• Inpatient Consultations: 4 months at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and 4 months at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
• NIH Rotation: 6 weeks in the Inter-Institute Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program at the NIH.
• Outpatient Clinics: 3-4 half-day sessions per week.
• Research Time: Approximately 2 months designated for clinical research projects.
• Vacation: 3 weeks.

Second Year: The second year focuses on continued clinical exposure and research initiatives, comprising:

• Inpatient Consultations: 2 months each at both MedStar hospitals.
• Outpatient Clinics: 2-3 half-day sessions per week.
• Research Focus: 6-7 months dedicated to research.
• Additional Rotations: Optional in Reproductive Endocrine Clinic, weekly sessions in a Lipid Clinic, and rotations in Pediatric Endocrinology for 2-4 weeks.
• Vacation: 3 weeks.

The third year, available to interested fellows, allows for a greater focus on outpatient continuity and intensive research, comprising:

• Outpatient Settings: 1-2 half-day sessions per week.
• Research Duration: 11 months.
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

Conference and Educational Opportunities

Fellows will participate in multiple weekly conferences that offer significant educational value and opportunities for knowledge sharing. These include:

• Endocrine Grand Rounds and clinical case presentations.
• Journal Clubs and collaborations with other institutions.
• Morbidities and mortalities conferences.
• Research conferences to discuss ongoing projects and findings.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a critical component of the fellowship, particularly in the second year. Each fellow initiates a clinical research project under mentorship during the first year, with expanded research time in the latter. The possibility for an additional year of research is contingent on available funding from specific laboratories.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, including J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating global participation in the fellowship.

Applicants must have the requisite training and certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine prior to entering the fellowship. The program is known to be competitive but demonstrates friendliness towards applicants from DO and IMG backgrounds.

Special Application Requirements

Specific application criteria include the completion of all requirements for the American Board of Internal Medicine certification. Additionally, any maximum limitations regarding failed STEP exams and the year of graduation may also stipulate eligibility.