National Capital Consortium Program
Location:
Bethesda, MDSpecialty:
RheumatologyACGME Code:
1502312163Program Overview
The National Capital Consortium Program in Rheumatology is located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This military medical center offers a comprehensive two-year fellowship program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program trains fellows to become skilled practitioners and consultants within various rheumatic diseases, which encompass inflammatory, degenerative, and non-inflammatory conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and other organ systems.
The program does not require a categorical year in the specialty prior to fellowship admission, making it more accessible for many applicants. The total approved complement is four fellows, with two fellows accepted per year.1
Curriculum and Schedule
The curriculum emphasizes continuous educational development through daily didactics from Monday to Friday. The fellows participate in management conferences weekly and multidisciplinary radiology rounds biweekly. Monthly journal clubs and intracity grand rounds facilitate cross-program collaboration. Additional scheduled activities include board reviews, research meetings, quality improvement sessions, and didactics on ultrasound and other essential skills. Elective rotations are permitted with the guidance of the program director, allowing for personalized learning experiences.1
Fellow Responsibilities
Fellows in the program are required to participate in both outpatient and inpatient call schedules. Outpatient call responsibilities include managing calls from clinics or emergency departments within a specified timeframe. Inpatient call shifts are scheduled in blocks, with first-year fellows typically carrying a larger share of the inpatient load. The focus on musculoskeletal syndromes highlights the program's commitment to addressing the most common medical issues faced by active-duty military personnel.1
Research and Scholarly Development
The program encourages fellows to engage in various research opportunities to advance their academic careers. Participation in the local research competition at WRNMMC is expected, along with submitting abstracts to the D.C. fellows’ forum and various national conferences, such as the American College of Rheumatology.1
Fellows often collaborate on clinical projects, develop longitudinal protocols, and work with esteemed faculty from the National Institutes of Health. Examples of past fellow achievements include national recognition at the North American Young Rheumatology Fellows Conference, showcasing the program's ability to foster academic excellence.1
Teaching and Mentorship
Fellows play an integral role in educating medical students. They are expected to participate in teaching sessions at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS), focusing on physical examination skills and larger clinical concepts. Opportunities for additional teaching engagements at various levels are available for those with a keen interest in medical education.1
Faculty Support
The faculty involved in the program are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, providing a robust mentorship culture for the fellows. While identifying a faculty mentor is encouraged, it is not a requirement, allowing fellows the flexibility to seek guidance based on their personal academic interests.1
Competitiveness and Application Specifics
The fellowship program is considered competitive, admitting candidates from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO medical schools, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Special prerequisites or application requirements may include recent graduation years and limits on failed licensing examinations.1
Visa and Diversity
The National Capital Consortium Program in Rheumatology supports international applicants through visa sponsorships, accommodating various visa types necessary for international medical graduates pursuing training opportunities in the U.S.1
Fellowship Mission and Vision
The mission of the program is to cultivate compassionate and exceptional rheumatologists who enhance patient-centered care through advanced training, research engagement, and leadership development. Their vision is to be recognized nationally for excellence in rheumatology training and to contribute significantly to the academic and practical landscape of the specialty.1
Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
The program places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its fellows, offering resources and activities aimed at promoting work-life balance. Fellows are encouraged to engage in wellness activities and participate in social events hosted by faculty throughout the academic calendar.1
Website
Director
Rachel C Robbins, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2022 -Coordinator
Program
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Quality of Life
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Admission
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-Location
Bethesda, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Bethesda, MD
- Safety: Bethesda is considered a safe area with a lower crime rate compared to other parts of Maryland.
- Fun Activities: Bethesda offers a vibrant arts and culture scene with theaters, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. It also has beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for recreational activities.
- Climate: Bethesda experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant.
- Population: Bethesda is a diverse community with a mix of residents from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Education: Bethesda is known for its excellent public and private schools, making it a family-friendly area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Bethesda is higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing.
- Nearby Cities: Washington, D.C. is approximately 30 minutes away by car, offering a wide range of cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment options.
Pros: Safe environment, diverse community, excellent schools, proximity to Washington, D.C.
Cons: High cost of living, especially housing prices.
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