Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a two-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to equip physicians with comprehensive skills in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. The program accepts two fellows each year and seeks to foster a well-rounded educational experience through a blend of clinical training, didactic learning, and research activities.

Program Goals and Structure

The primary goal of the fellowship is to train physicians who can effectively practice endocrinology in diverse clinical and academic environments. The program emphasizes developing a lifelong learning mentality, instilling professionalism, and enriching patient care through advanced endocrinology practices. Fellows are provided with substantial clinical exposure encompassing both inpatient and outpatient settings, enabling them to build robust clinical skills while engaging in research projects aimed at furthering the field of endocrinology 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously structured across the two years of fellowship training:

1st Year

During the first year, fellows primarily focus on clinical training which includes:

• Engagement in inpatient consult services, actively diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders under faculty supervision.
• Participation in outpatient rotations, conducting general endocrinology clinics, and taking responsibility for patient continuity.
• Involvement in elective rotations that cover a range of subspecialty clinics including pediatric endocrinology, lipid disorders, and endocrine surgery.
• Regular educational activities such as the Clinical Endocrinology Conference and Endocrinology Research Conference.

Additionally, fellows are expected to initiate a research project with guidance from a faculty mentor 1.

2nd Year

The second year is divided between clinical responsibilities and elective research opportunities:

• Ongoing participation in outpatient clinics while alternating between inpatient consult roles.
• Six months dedicated to elective time, during which fellows can engage in specific research interests.
• Encouragement to apply for external funding if pursuing a third year for academic research 1.

Research Opportunities

Research training is a cornerstone of the fellowship, as the program aims to nurture future leaders in academic endocrinology. Fellows are introduced to various research activities within the division and are encouraged to develop research proposals in their first year. Support is provided for fellows seeking to submit their findings to national meetings and peer-reviewed journals, with projects spanning multiple endocrine-related disciplines like diabetes and obesity 1.

Application Requirements

Candidates interested in the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited medical school.
• Completion of an internal medicine residency at an accredited institution.
• Submission of three letters of reference.
• Eligibility for a Pennsylvania state medical license.

Applications are accepted exclusively through the ERAS system and participation in the National Residency Matching Program is mandatory. Although all qualified applicants are considered, priority is given to those with aspirations in academic endocrinology 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program exclusively accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This strict adherence to J-1 sponsorship ensures that the institution maintains a focused approach towards cultivating an enriching educational environment for all fellows 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship is recognized as a highly competitive program. The selection process emphasizes academic excellence, strong communication skills, motivation, and integrity among candidates. The diversity of the applicant pool is valued, and the fellowship actively promotes initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of inclusiveness and respect within the training environment 1.

Training Sites and Resources

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center serves as the primary training site for fellows, featuring a 611-bed flagship teaching hospital and a comprehensive range of specialty services. The hospital’s infrastructure supports a multifaceted approach to patient care, research, and medical education, making it an ideal setting for advanced training in endocrinology 1.