Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is a one-year accredited program designed to equip physicians with specialized skills for managing the health care needs of older adults. This fellowship aims to prepare graduates for various roles in geriatric medicine, including clinical practice, academic positions, and administrative or public health advocacy.

Fellowship Overview

The PCOM Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is characterized by an emphasis on chronic disease management and preventive health practices tailored to older adults. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on various health care professionals to optimize the care for geriatric patients. Since its establishment in 1985, the fellowship has expanded services to address the needs of the increasing aging population in Philadelphia, leading to the growth of a robust geriatric care service at PCOM 5.

Clinical Exposure

The fellowship curriculum includes extensive training in various settings such as ambulatory care, acute and post-acute care, long-term care, and end-of-life care through dedicated training experiences. Fellows will engage in inpatient and outpatient geriatric consultations covering a wide array of conditions like dementia, wound care, and comprehensive geriatric assessment, providing a comprehensive learning experience 5.

Longitudinal Experience

Fellows will follow a panel of patients throughout the duration of the program, enabling them to provide continuous care and develop long-term relationships with patients. This aspect of the fellowship promotes continuity of care, integral to the geriatric health model 5.

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship comprises scheduled rotations across various specialties relevant to geriatrics, including:

• In-patient Geriatrics: Fellows will provide consultative services in the geriatric and palliative care units of partner hospitals, encompassing transitional care management and advanced care planning.
• Ambulatory Care: This involves two half-days each week focused on geriatric health maintenance, emphasizing chronic disease management and preventative health measures.
• Home Care: A dedicated month-long rotation allows fellows to manage homebound patients effectively.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Fellowships involve rotations in hospice and palliative care settings, teching how to manage complex symptomatology and end-of-life issues 5.
• Geriatric Psychiatry: Fellows will also participate in rotations within psychiatric units that deal specifically with geriatric patients.

Academic Component

Fellows are expected to participate in research and quality improvement initiatives, reflecting PCOM's commitment to academic excellence. They will also engage in teaching activities, helping educate future generations and fellow colleagues on key geriatric issues 5.

Application Process and Requirements

The fellowship requires completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in family medicine or internal medicine prior to enrollment. Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates must hold legal authority to work in the United States 5.

Visa Support

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship does provide visa sponsorship for qualifying candidates. The types of visas supported may include J-1 visas or other work-authorized visa types, depending on the individual circumstances of the applicants. However, prospective fellows should confirm specific details regarding visa requirements during the application process 5.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

This fellowship program is competitive but is open to a diverse pool of applicants including both DOs and IMGs. Applicants are assessed based on their clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and their demonstrated interest in geriatrics. There are no particularly stringent application year limits or maximum failed STEP exams that could disqualify applicants, making the program more inclusive 5.