Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School is designed to address the unique needs of geriatric patients, particularly those from underserved populations in Newark and surrounding areas. The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach to care aimed at combating the national shortage of geriatricians, particularly in urban and veterans' communities.

Program Features

Director's Overview

The fellowship is dedicated to training and retaining competent geriatric physicians. The program is backed by substantial resources from the Department of Medicine and the VA New Jersey Health Care System, enabling fellows to engage with a wide variety of challenging clinical cases. This robust academic environment fosters cutting-edge research, offering fellows the opportunity to delve into medical specialties and gain valuable mentoring support for career advancement in both private practice and academic settings 1.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship's curriculum is structured to provide extensive hands-on experience and knowledge. It consists of various rotations during the first year, including:

• Three months in Geriatric Consults at University Hospital
• Three months at the Geriatric Care and Consultation Clinic
• Three months in Nursing Home/Subacute Rehabilitation at the VA New Jersey Health Care System
• One month in Home Based Primary Care
• One month in Palliative Care and Hospice
• Two weeks dedicated to Gero-psychiatric Medicine
• Longitudinal Clinics throughout the year
• One month vacation

This comprehensive training aims to develop a well-rounded understanding of geriatric medicine, equipping fellows with the skills necessary to address the complexities of geriatric care 3.

Conferences and Didactics

Fellows participate in a variety of educational events and conferences, including:

• Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society
• Monthly NJ Geriatric Fellowship Consortium meetings
• Weekly didactics and clinical case conferences
• Journal clubs and quality improvement conferences

These activities are designed to enhance the fellows' learning and provide opportunities for networking and research presentations 2.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a core component of training, encouraging fellow participation in scholarly activities that focus on improving geriatric healthcare practices. Fellows are expected to engage in quality improvement projects and presentations at national meetings, contributing to the evolving knowledge in the field 5.

Training Sites

Fellows will train in diverse settings, including:

• University Hospital: A critical care facility that serves a large underserved population in Newark, NJ. This hospital is not only a busy trauma center but also the state’s sole liver transplant center. Fellows engage with community and institutional partners to address social determinants of health.
• VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS): Located in Lyons, this facility focuses on comprehensive geriatric care across multiple settings, including outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities. The fellow gains experience managing complex cases pertinent to the elderly population, ensuring patient-centered and interdisciplinary care.

Both sites provide invaluable exposure to high patient volumes and a diverse array of medical challenges typical in geriatric populations 6.

Application Requirements

The fellowship program accepts applications exclusively through ERAS. The selection criteria include:

• Graduation from an ACGME/AOA accredited medical school.
• Completion of an ACGME/AOA accredited residency program.
• Passing scores on USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 or COMPLEX-USA equivalents.
• Three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a detailed curriculum vitae.

International Medical Graduates are required to show proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and must have a valid ECFMG certificate. Visa sponsorship is available for J1 Exchange Visitors through the ECFMG, making the program accessible to a diverse population of applicants 4.

Visa Support

The program provides sponsorship for a J1 visa under ECFMG for international medical graduates who require it. This ensures that qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds can participate and contribute to the fellowship, enhancing cultural competence and understanding in geriatric care settings.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program is known for being highly competitive yet strives to be DO and IMG friendly. The program values diverse experiences and backgrounds, particularly those who demonstrate a commitment to serving geriatric populations.

Conclusion

In summary, the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School offers a comprehensive curriculum supplemented by a training environment rich in diversity and clinical understanding. Through rigorous training, research, and a focus on underserved populations, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in geriatric medicine.