Old Dominion University Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship at Old Dominion University is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of endocrinology. This two-year ACGME-accredited program emphasizes both clinical expertise and research opportunities, aligning fellows with outstanding faculty and cutting-edge resources.

The fellowship trains participants to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care to patients suffering from endocrine disorders, which include Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions, reproductive diseases, and metabolic bone diseases 1.

Training Sites

The fellowship offers a diverse training environment that spans several key medical facilities:

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital features the area's only Level I trauma center and is a hub for advanced medical services, including cardiology, oncology, and transplantation programs. This institution serves as a primary site for both inpatient experiences and endocrine consultations, enhancing the fellows' clinical acumen 1.

Strelitz Diabetes Center

The Strelitz Diabetes Center at Williams Hall is central to the outpatient training experience. Known internationally for diabetes management and research, fellows engage in continuity clinics, adaptive learning from experienced endocrinologists, and other clinical educational experiences throughout the fellowship 1.

Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center

The Hampton VAMC features a range of services, including a significant outpatient hemodialysis unit, where fellows participate in outpatient rotations, thus gaining essential experience in managing endocrine conditions within a veteran population 1.

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters

As Virginia's only freestanding children's hospital, this facility offers fellows the opportunity to engage in pediatric endocrinology, critical for developing expertise in managing endocrine disorders in younger patients 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is robust and includes multiple educational components designed to enhance clinical knowledge and practical skills:

• Inpatient endocrine consult services at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
• Outpatient rotations at the Veterans Hospital endocrine clinic in Hampton.
• Elective rotations encompassing pediatric endocrinology, reproductive endocrinology, and maternal-fetal medicine.
• Regular involvement in weekly continuity clinics and educational series such as the Endocrinology Core Lecture Series, providing foundational and advanced endocrinology knowledge.
• Participation in journal clubs, case conferences, and departmental grand rounds to stimulate academic growth 3.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications to the program must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The prerequisites for consideration include:

• A minimum score of 200 on both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge.
• Submission of grades from preclinical and clinical courses.
• Three letters of recommendation, with one from an endocrinologist recommended, and another from a residency program director.

Overall, the selection process is competitive; however, it is noted that the program is friendly towards DO candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs) 2.

Benefits and Stipend

The program offers a structured benefits package, including a competitive stipend for fellows:

• Post Graduate Year 4: $70,644
• Post Graduate Year 5: $73,138

Compensation also includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, and fellows are encouraged to participate in a direct deposit program for their stipend 4.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are actively encouraged to engage in research activities, with opportunities to present abstracts at national conferences. Participation in scholarly work is considered essential for professional development and prepares fellows for their examinations and future practices 5.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes the importance of diversity not only in recruitment but also in training practices aimed at reflecting the varied backgrounds of the communities served. This commitment to inclusivity enriches the learning experience and enhances the quality of care provided by fellows 6.