National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship at the NIH Clinical Center is a structured three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship is designed for physicians seeking extensive training in both clinical and research aspects of endocrinology. The program emphasizes a collaborative atmosphere, fostering one-on-one relationships between fellows and faculty members, many of whom are leading experts in the field. The training environment is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities aimed at providing high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring an optimal setting for professional growth in endocrinology.

Program Structure

The fellowship is organized into a detailed training curriculum that spans three years, with each year offering a unique combination of clinical rotations and research opportunities.

Year 1

The first year includes a series of clinical rotations to various institutions:

• NIH Clinical Center: 6 months total
• Georgetown University Hospital: 6 weeks
• Washington Hospital Center: 6 weeks
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: 4 weeks
• Washington DC Veterans Affairs: 4 weeks

Additionally, fellows participate in:

• Weekly continuity clinic at NIH Clinical Center: 1 half day per week
• NIH Lipid Rotation: 4 weeks
• Clinical Research Training in Endocrinology: 2 weeks
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: 2 weeks

Year 2

During the second year, the focus shifts slightly, including:

• Continuation of the weekly continuity clinic with half-day sessions
• Half-day sessions at NIH Diabetes Clinic and the MobileMed/Suburban Hospital Community Clinic alternating weekly
• Consult service, which lasts approximately 4-6 weeks per year, covering aspects like Blood Glucose Management Service (BGMS)

Year 3

The third year emphasizes research with opportunities to continue consulting services:

• Weekly continuity clinic, diabetes clinic, and community clinic, tailored to fellow needs
• Maintaining consult service sessions for 4-6 weeks per year

Application Information

Application to the fellowship is conducted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The program accepts candidates who are board-eligible in internal medicine, including those in the Clinical Investigator Pathway. The expected duration of the fellowship is three years, with the possibility for a fourth or fifth year for exceptionally qualified trainees. Applications are typically accepted until November 30.

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers support for visa sponsorship, which may include J-1 visas commonly accepted for clinical training or research programs. The support and process for obtaining a visa will be handled as part of the acceptance into the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is considered highly competitive, welcoming applicants from a variety of backgrounds including DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements may pertain to the year of graduation and the maximum allowed unsuccessful attempts on the USMLE STEP examinations.