Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program
Location:
New Brunswick, NJSpecialty:
RheumatologyACGME Code:
1503321019Overview of the Program
The Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program in Rheumatology at New Brunswick is dedicated to a comprehensive approach encompassing clinical care, education, research, and community service. The Division of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Research is integral to this mission, hosting general rheumatology outpatient clinics four days a week. These clinics feature attendance by faculty members, fellows, and residents, promoting a collaborative learning environment.
The inpatient consult service ensures continuous physician coverage, enhancing the learning opportunities for fellows and residents. A distinguished feature of the program is the Scleroderma Program, recognized nationally and internationally for its clinical and research excellence. The division also focuses on rheumatological conditions such as gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis, offering fellows a well-rounded clinical experience.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to deliver a comprehensive educational experience. Major educational components are integrated into the second-year Pathophysiology and Physical Diagnosis Courses, dedicated significantly to rheumatology. The program facilitates active participation in outpatient clinics, didactic sessions, and hands-on patient care, thereby establishing a foundation for a competent future rheumatologist.
Fellows are expected to engage with the clinical team actively and are provided with a robust framework for teaching medical students and residents. The program emphasizes scholarly activities, encouraging fellows to critically engage with the latest research in the field and contribute to ongoing projects.
Training Sites
The primary training site for this program is the Clinical Academic Building located at 125 Paterson Street, Suite 5200A, New Brunswick, NJ. This facility houses the outpatient clinics and is the base for the Scleroderma Program. Additionally, the program fosters a collaborative network with other regional institutions, providing fellows with diverse training experiences.
Research Opportunities
Research is a cornerstone of the Rutgers Health program, with division faculty members consistently publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Recent contributions include 19 papers and various abstracts, reviews, and book chapters. The availability of NIH-funded research projects allows fellows to engage with high-level clinical research, particularly in the realms of systemic sclerosis and related disorders.
Fellows have access to multiple clinical research protocols that evaluate disease-modifying agents and advanced therapies for various complex rheumatological disorders. This hands-on involvement in research provides the fellows with invaluable experience and contributes to their professional development.
Special Features
The program prides itself on its strong educational commitment with a full range of teaching directed toward medical students, residents, and fellows, thus fostering a culture of learning. The faculty are dedicated to mentorship and supporting fellows in achieving ABIM certification, with all recent graduates having passed on their first attempt.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, facilitating the process for H-1B and J-1 visa types. This support is essential for attracting a diverse cohort of fellows and expanding the program's global talent pool.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Rutgers Health Residency Program in Rheumatology is considered to be highly competitive, welcoming applications from both domestic and international graduates. The program is friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all applicants. Special application requirements may include recent graduation timelines and maximum allowed failed STEP exams, ensuring that the selections are made from a qualified pool of candidates.
Website
Director
David D Roofeh, MDAssistant Professor of Medicine Appointed Since September 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$85,014First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Brunswick, NJ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Brunswick, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ, is a diverse city located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Here are some aspects of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Brunswick has some areas with a higher crime rate, so it's essential to be cautious, especially at night. Taking safety measures and staying informed about the neighborhood is important.
- Fun Activities: New Brunswick offers a variety of entertainment options, such as cultural events, dining, shopping, and nearby parks for outdoor activities. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene and theater performances.
- Climate: New Brunswick experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. It's important to be prepared for temperature variations throughout the year.
- Races and Population: The population of New Brunswick is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. This diversity adds to the cultural richness of the city.
- Education: New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, which provides educational opportunities and cultural events to residents and students. The city also has good schools for families with children.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively high compared to other cities in New Jersey. Housing costs, in particular, can be a significant expense for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New York City is approximately 40 miles away from New Brunswick, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Residents can easily access the cultural and job opportunities in NYC.
- Pros: Cultural diversity, proximity to bigger cities, entertainment options, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, some areas with higher crime rates, traffic congestion.
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