Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Rheumatology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program that offers comprehensive training in rheumatology. The fellowship accepts one fellow per year, emphasizing a balance between clinical training, didactic learning, and research activities.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

The first year focuses on clinical training, where fellows split their time between inpatient consult services and outpatient clinical experiences. The fellow is responsible for consultations and teaching responsibilities under the supervision of a faculty attending physician. Daily consultation rounds include a multidisciplinary team, providing comprehensive longitudinal experience in managing chronic rheumatic diseases.

During outpatient rotations, fellows engage in daily clinics, managing a diverse patient population with rheumatology conditions. Two half-day continuity fellow clinics are conducted weekly at the main hospital and one at the VA Hospital, with an individual education-driven approach from dedicated faculty.

Elective rotations during the first year include outpatient subspecialty clinics across various fields such as rehabilitation medicine, dermatology, and pediatric rheumatology. Scheduled educational activities consist of weekly clinical conferences, journal clubs, and other didactic sessions vital for the fellows' learning experience.

Second Year

The second year is divided between inpatient services, outpatient clinical activities, and research. The continuity clinic remains vital in the second year, with fellows expected to expand their research activities. Elective options are available, facilitating personalized training according to fellows' interests.

Clinical and Research Training

The fellowship emphasizes robust exposure to inpatient consultations, allowing fellows to manage various rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and more. Outpatient experiences are equally critical, equipping fellows to manage patients independently by the end of the fellowship.

Research training is a core component, enabling fellows to identify research topics early in their fellowship, securing faculty mentorship to aid in developing proposals. Fellows present their research at national meetings, with expectations for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Research areas include autoimmune disease mechanisms and clinical trials in various disease areas.

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

Fellows participate in a variety of conferences focused on rheumatology core topics, journal club discussions, research presentations, and case reviews. Regular interaction with faculty during these conferences enhances fellows' clinical reasoning and evidence-based management skills.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants for the fellowship must meet specific qualifications, including graduation from an accredited medical school and successful completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of applications, and interviews are conducted by invitation only.

Submission of three letters of recommendation is required, ideally including one from a rheumatologist. Candidates must also be ECFMG-eligible, possess a J-1 visa for international applicants, and have passed USMLE Step 3.

Diversity and Wellness Initiatives

The program celebrates and supports diversity through initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity among its trainees. Resources focus on ensuring emotional, social, and physical wellness to help fellows thrive in their training.

Visa and Competitiveness

The Rheumatology Fellowship invites candidates from various backgrounds, including IMGs. The program provides support for J-1 visa sponsorship, making it accessible for qualified international applicants.

Notable Program Features

The fellowship prepares candidates not only for clinical practice but also for academic careers in rheumatology. Research opportunities extend beyond the fellowship duration, fostering long-term professional development.