Roger Williams Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Rheumatology Fellowship at Roger Williams Medical Center aims to cultivate skilled specialists in clinical rheumatology. With a legacy of over 30 years in training rheumatologists, the program is rooted in academic excellence and substantial research contributions. It operates in affiliation with the Boston University School of Medicine, providing fellows access to resources across multiple affiliated hospitals, including Roger Williams Medical Center, the Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Rhode Island Hospital. Additionally, the program collaborates closely with the Brown University Division of Rheumatology and its fellowship program, supporting a collaborative and integrated educational environment.

Curriculum Structure

This two-year, ABIM-accredited fellowship allows for the development of foundational competencies through diverse clinical experiences and academic learning. The program accommodates three fellows in training at any given time, with two fellows in one year and one fellow in the next. The rotation schedule is harmoniously coordinated with the Brown University fellowship, enabling shared faculty resources and conferences for comprehensive training. Fellows are expected to engage actively in outpatient care as well as inpatient consultations at major teaching hospitals.

Clinical Rotations and Experiences

Fellows will rotate through various clinical settings, including:

• Roger Williams Medical Center: Here, fellows engage primarily in outpatient practice, treating a range of rheumatologic disorders under close faculty supervision.
• Providence VA Medical Center: This rotation introduces fellows to a specialized patient population with prevalent conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Fellows will manage patients in continuity clinics, gaining insights from unique cases.
• Rhode Island Hospital: As a tertiary care center, this site provides exposure to complex rheumatic disorders through inpatient consults, expanding fellows' clinical acumen.

Academic Conferences and Learning Opportunities

Fellows can expect a comprehensive academic experience encompassing a range of conferences and learning platforms, including:

• Weekly Case Conferences: Fellows present patient cases, fostering discussion and clinical teaching.
• Didactic Series: A structured curriculum covering foundational rheumatology topics to enhance theoretical knowledge.
• Monthly Journal Club: An opportunity to critically analyze and present current literature with faculty guidance.
• Grand Rounds: Invited experts share cutting-edge research, offering insights into emerging clinical practices.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the fellowship, and fellows are expected to partake in at least one supervised project during their training. Current research areas include scleroderma, dermatomyositis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Opportunities to present findings at local or national meetings and to prepare materials for publication are integral to the fellow's experience.

Unique Program Aspects

The fellowship provides extensive training in musculoskeletal ultrasound, essential for modern rheumatologic practice. Moreover, fellows benefit from an academic environment that promotes interaction with various medical disciplines, engaging in joint dermatology-rheumatology clinics, and attending national conferences such as the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Admission to the fellowship program is competitive. While the program does not explicitly state specific prerequisites for international medical graduates (IMGs), it is important to note that the competitiveness of the program may vary. Candidates are encouraged to possess a strong background in internal medicine. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program and utilizes the ERAS application process.

Visa Sponsorships

The program offers visa sponsorship for international fellows. It can sponsor the J-1 visa, commonly utilized by physicians in training, which facilitates participation in clinical fellowships in the United States. Additional visa types may also be available depending on specific circumstances.

Call Schedule and Work-Life Balance

Fellows will find a supportive structure in terms of work-life balance. They typically spend half their day in clinical duties and the other half focused on academic activities and consultations. The call schedule usually includes weekend call every fifth week, although weekday night calls are infrequent. This structure promotes a manageable work-life balance while ensuring comprehensive clinical exposure.