NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The Rheumatology Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a prestigious two-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship offers a comprehensive training experience designed to cultivate both clinical and research expertise in the field of rheumatology. The program is tailored to ensure that fellows emerge as well-rounded physicians, competent in independent practice upon completion of their training.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide rigorous clinical and research training. During the first year, fellows concentrate on enhancing their clinical skills through hospital rotations and outpatient clinic experiences. They gain exposure to a diverse patient population, developing their abilities in diagnosing and managing a variety of rheumatic diseases. They begin to outline their research interests, actively participating in scholarly activities through a comprehensive didactic curriculum that includes multiple conferences and seminars throughout the year.

In the second year, the emphasis on research publication intensifies. Clinical duties are balanced with opportunities to engage in scholarly activities, including attending conferences and seminars that cover advanced topics in rheumatology. Fellows are encouraged to complete at least one manuscript or abstract as part of their research training, further solidifying their academic credentials.

Fellowship Tracks

The program offers two distinct tracks:

Research Track

This track is aimed at those interested in an academic career focused on clinical, translational, or basic research in rheumatic diseases. It combines clinical training with extensive research mentorship, extending the fellowship program up to a total of three years.

Clinical Track

This two-year track is designed for fellows who wish to develop exceptional clinical skills. Graduates of this track are prepared for leadership roles in clinical practice or education within the rheumatology field.

Training Sites

Fellows receive training across several esteemed facilities, including NYU Langone Tisch Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. This diverse array of training sites ensures exposure to various healthcare systems and patient populations, enriching the fellows' clinical experiences.

Outpatient and Inpatient Services

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient clinical training. The outpatient clinic service, which includes continuity clinics in general rheumatology, lupus, and arthritis, exceeds ACGME requirements, offering deep insight into common rheumatic conditions. In the first year, fellows attend three clinics weekly, while in the second year, this is reduced to two to allow for academic pursuits.

Additionally, the inpatient consultation service allows fellows to manage complex cases, providing them with substantial clinical responsibility. Fellows spend at least 12 months dedicated to this service, allowing them to refine their diagnostic and treatment skills in acute settings.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are mandated to engage in original research during their training, with a focus on publishing and presenting findings at various academic conferences. A dedicated annual research “speed dating” event facilitates networking between fellows and mentors to help align research interests and enhance collaborative opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

NYU Langone’s Division of Rheumatology actively fosters diversity within the fellowship. The Fellowship Diversity Advisory Committee (FDAC) plays a crucial role in enhancing recruitment and retention efforts focused on underrepresented minorities. The program encourages applicants from various backgrounds and works to ensure equitable educational practices that enhance healthcare quality.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program is proud of its track record of producing leaders in the field, with many graduates securing prominent positions in academic and clinical settings nationwide. Additionally, the program's focus on innovation and education ensures that fellows are well-prepared to contribute significantly to the rapidly evolving rheumatologic landscape.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Competitiveness

The Rheumatology Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine augments its diversity recruitment efforts by supporting J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is highly competitive, admitting four fellows each year. Applicants generally should have completed 2-3 years of internal medicine training and must be board-eligible by the end of their first fellowship year.

Application Requirements

Specific application requirements indicate a commitment to the highest training standards. The program typically values applicants with no more than one failure on the USMLE Step exams and considers the year of medical school graduation as an important selection criteria.