Ohio State University Hospital Program
Location:
Columbus, OHSpecialty:
Clinical informatics (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1223814002The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) and Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) is an ACGME-accredited, two-year program designed to prepare the next generation of clinical informaticists and healthcare informatics leaders. This unique initiative merges comprehensive educational and practical experiences at a renowned academic medical center and one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the nation.
The primary aim of the program is to equip graduates with an extensive skill set necessary for success in clinical informatics, healthcare organizations, academia, government, and industry. Applicants from any medical specialty background are welcome, and prior formal training in computer science is not a prerequisite for entry into the fellowship.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is structured over two years and features an orchestrated series of rotations designed to provide a robust foundation in clinical informatics. The first year includes:
- One month dedicated to Information Privacy and Security at OSUWMC, exploring the legal frameworks governing clinical informatics.
- Three months with ambulatory and hospital EHR teams at NCH, focusing on system enhancements and new project development.
- Four months in clinical reporting teams learning data warehouses and analytics, complemented by training in Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.
- In-depth experience with EHR clinical informatics focusing on data application in support of clinical decision-making and improving patient care quality.
The second year of the fellowship expands into broader population health topics at OSUWMC, followed by explorations into various informatics domains such as research, pathology, and radiology. There are opportunities for elective rotations that allow fellows to tailor their training to specific interests, covering areas like telehealth, advanced analytics, and quality improvement.
Didactic Learning and Training
A significant component of the program involves weekly didactic sessions featuring faculty- and fellow-led presentations, a journal club, and board review sessions. Additionally, fellows complete graduate-level courses through the Ohio State University Department of Biomedical Informatics.
All fellows receive training as Epic Physician Builders at the Epic Systems headquarters, which is critical for becoming proficient in the EHR enhancing systems at both hospitals.
Research and Quality Improvement
Fellows engage in substantial research and quality improvement (QI) projects throughout the program. It is expected that each fellow will achieve at least one project leading to national presentation or publication. The program emphasizes methodologies, especially the IHI Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for effective QI initiatives.
Fellow Benefits
The program offers a competitive salary, academic funding, and comprehensive medical benefits. Additionally, fellows who are appropriately credentialed have opportunities to provide direct patient care, further enhancing their training and professional development.
Application Process and Eligibility
Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency and hold board certification or eligibility in a recognized medical specialty. They may apply using the ERAS system from June to October for admission the following academic year. The fellowship does not participate in NRMP but follows a coordinated match process occurring mid-December. Application requirements include:
- Current CV
- Personal statement
- Medical school transcript
- Three letters of reference
- USMLE and/or COMLEX scores
- Recent photograph
Visa sponsorship is available; applicants who are not U.S. citizens must hold a current J-1 visa.
Competitiveness and Diversity
The program maintains a commitment to fostering diversity, recognizing how multifaceted backgrounds contribute to personalized healthcare and innovative informatics solutions. As such, the fellowship is seen as accessible and not overly competitive, encouraging applications from both U.S. graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Website
Director
Aarti R Chandawarkar, MDProgram Director, Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Privacy/security and Quality Leadership Academy Rotations rotation Appointed Since June 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,921First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Columbus, OH
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Columbus, OH
- Crime Rate and Safety: Columbus, OH, has a moderate crime rate but like any city, certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research specific areas for safety.
- Fun Activities: Columbus offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, numerous parks, museums, shopping districts, and various dining options. The city is also home to professional sports teams and hosts several annual festivals and events.
- Climate: Columbus experiences all four seasons, with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and fall seasons. Be prepared for both snow in winter and high humidity in summer.
- Races and Population: Columbus is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. It is also the most populous city in Ohio and the 14th most populated city in the U.S.
- Education: Columbus is home to several higher education institutions, including The Ohio State University, known for its medical programs and research opportunities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Columbus is lower than the national average, making it an affordable city to live in compared to other major metropolitan areas.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Columbus is within driving distance to other major cities like Cincinnati (about 1.5 hours), Cleveland (about 2 hours), and Pittsburgh (about 3 hours).
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural offerings, strong education opportunities, and proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Some areas may have higher crime rates, weather can be extreme in winter and summer.
Interview Questions
