Summa Health System/NEOMED Program

The Summa Health System/NEOMED Program in Geriatric Medicine, part of Internal Medicine at Akron, Ohio, offers a comprehensive and engaging training pathway for residents seeking advanced education in geriatric care. This program is designed for those who aspire to excel in the field of geriatrics and is rooted in a community-based model that emphasizes both personal interaction and high-quality medical education.

Curriculum Overview

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship curriculum at Summa Health is integrated with a focus on extensive clinical experience alongside academic learning. The program builds on the fundamental principles of geriatric care, enhancing the understanding of complex health issues faced by older adults. Residents participate in various clinical rotations, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive geriatric assessments, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.

This fellowship includes significant hands-on experience, allowing fellows to manage a diverse panel of older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The training also encompasses acute geriatric issues in both inpatient and outpatient settings, enabling fellows to refine their clinical decision-making and care coordination skills.

Rotations

Summa’s Geriatric Medicine fellowship includes rotations across key settings necessary for comprehensive training. These include:

• Acute Care Geriatrics: Direct involvement in managing geriatric patients in acute medical settings.
• Outpatient Geriatrics: Experience in geriatric clinics dedicated to outpatient management.
• Long-term Care: Rotations in nursing homes and rehabilitation settings.
• Palliative Care: Training on end-of-life issues and integration of palliative approaches in geriatric care.

Individualized rotation schedules are developed to meet the specific interests and career goals of each fellow, ensuring a tailored training approach.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research and evidence-based medicine. Fellows are required to engage in scholarly activities, which may involve conducting clinical research, improving clinical practices, and presenting findings at national conferences. This involvement not only enriches the fellows' training experience but also contributes significantly to the wider field of geriatric medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Several factors set the Summa Health Geriatric Medicine Fellowship apart:

• Personal Attention: The program prides itself on providing close mentorship and individualized attention from experienced faculty dedicated to teaching.
• Integrated Care Model: Training incorporates the principles of team-based care, focusing on collaboration across multiple disciplines, which is critical in managing geriatric patients.
• Community Engagement: The fellowship involves active participation in community-based initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for the elderly.

Training Sites

The training takes place across various Summa Health facilities, which provide a wide range of settings that serve diverse patient populations. This includes acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, primarily through J-1 visa sponsorship. This ensures that qualified candidates can participate in the fellowship regardless of their country of origin.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Summa Health Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is relatively competitive. Applicants should aim to have both high academic achievements and clinical experiences that align with the requirements. A current ECFMG certificate is mandatory for international medical graduates, and thorough preparation for interviews is essential to distinguish oneself among other applicants.

Eligible applicants generally must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine or a similar discipline. No more than three years should have elapsed since their graduation from medical school, and all applicants should have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

The fellowship program promotes continual learning and development by encouraging participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. This commitment to ongoing education helps fellows remain current with the latest advancements in geriatric medicine.

Benefits and Support

Fellows at Summa Health benefit from a competitive stipend, health insurance, vacation days, and funding for educational expenses. The program also emphasizes wellness initiatives, providing psychological and emotional support to foster a healthy work-life balance.