Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train internal medicine and family medicine graduates in geriatrics, reflecting the increasing demand for specialists in this aging population. The program admits two fellows annually and provides comprehensive clinical training across various healthcare settings.

Program Overview

Since its inception in 2019, the fellowship has been situated within the Division of Internal Medicine, which is part of the Department of Medicine at Penn State Health. The growing demand for geriatric care is highlighted by the prediction that by 2030, nearly 25% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65, making this fellowship vital for addressing the healthcare needs of seniors.

The fellowship is hosted at a large institution with over 540 beds, which serves as a quaternary referral center for central Pennsylvania. The healthcare center administers more than 28,000 annual admissions, over 1 million outpatient visits, and around 72,000 emergency room encounters. The diverse clinical environment enables fellows to experience a wide range of common and complex geriatric conditions.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum revolves around robust clinical training, primarily within the Geriatric Clinic and through inpatient consults. Key features of the fellowship include:

• Opportunities to participate in rotations at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Oak Hill Village for long-term care, and the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania.
• Hands-on experience facilitating transitions of care for Penn State Health patients to preferred facilities.
• The responsibility to manage a panel of long-term care patients.

Additionally, the fellowship includes electives in areas such as rheumatology, neurology, and addiction medicine. Telemedicine practices are integrated into the training, adapting to current healthcare demands.

Didactic Education

Fellows partake in regular didactic sessions covering a breadth of geriatric topics. Monthly, the fellows engage in two series titled 'Current Topics in Geriatrics' and 'Geriatrics Core Curriculum,' which provide them the platform to present cases and participate in journal clubs. The curriculum encompasses themes like the science of aging, geriatric pharmacology, and psychosocial care.

Dedicated research time is also available, with at least two weeks allotted to pursue independent research projects, though this period can be expanded based on the fellow's interests.

Resources and Collaborations

The fellows in this program benefit from numerous academic resources available through the Penn State Health system. The collaborative environment encourages interaction across various disciplines such as pharmacy, physical therapy, and pastoral services, enhancing the educational experience. Fellows are backed by the Woodward Center for Excellence in Health Sciences Education and can leverage the Harrell Health Sciences Library for extensive research support.

Diversity and Inclusion

Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine advocate for diversity and inclusion within the program. The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion promotes various initiatives to foster an inclusive learning environment for all residents and fellows.

Application Requirements

Applications are accepted solely through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), adhering to the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) protocols. Significant eligibility requirements include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited internal medicine or family medicine residency.
• No more than one prior failure of the USMLE Step exams.
• International medical graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate and are only accepted under J-1 visas.

The application review process values strong academic performance, recommendations from relevant physicians, and demonstrated leadership skills, thus making the fellowship competitive but not exclusively focused on USMG candidates.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for international physicians, primarily providing J-1 visas for foreign medical graduates. This support is crucial for the increasingly diverse population of fellows joining the program, ensuring accessibility for qualified candidates from various backgrounds.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including graduates from both U.S. medical schools and international institutions. It is friendly toward all qualified applicants, promoting diversity in the selection process.