Temple University Hospital Program

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Temple University Hospital provides a comprehensive training experience for aspiring endocrinologists. The program is designed to equip fellows with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for both clinical practice and academic roles in endocrinology. The fellowship emphasizes exposure to a diverse range of endocrine conditions and patient demographics, facilitated by an experienced faculty.

Fellowship training is conducted across two primary locations: Temple University Hospital - Main Campus and Temple University Hospital - Jeanes Campus. This dual-site training allows fellows to encounter a broad spectrum of endocrine pathologies in varied health care settings. Opportunities to engage in outpatient practices further enrich the clinical training experience.

Fellows are expected to manage their own patients across two dedicated continuity clinics per week, focusing on diabetes in one clinic and general endocrinology in the other. This patient management fosters a robust clinical experience as fellows cultivate their patient panels throughout the fellowship. Supervision and mentorship by seasoned faculty are integral to the training process, ensuring a comprehensive education during fellowship.

Didactic and Educational Structure

The program includes a rigorous educational schedule featuring weekly journal clubs, clinical case conferences, and endocrine grand rounds. A year-long core curriculum covers essential topics in endocrinology, receiving positive feedback from participants. Additionally, fellows partake in monthly multidisciplinary conferences, including Thyroid & Parathyroid and Pituitary discussions, further enhancing the learning environment.

Hands-on experiences are a cornerstone of the program, with training opportunities in thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration (FNA), insulin pump management, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and DEXA scan interpretation. Such practical training is indispensable for nurturing skilled, confident endocrinologists prepared for future challenges.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research participation is an essential component of the fellowship, with multiple faculty members recognized for their contributions to endocrinology research. Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly projects and quality improvement initiatives, benefitting from dedicated research mentorship. Presentations at national meetings organized by associations such as the Endocrine Society, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) are common, as is participation in Temple’s own research symposium.

Community and Health Equity Focus

Temple University Hospital maintains a commitment to serving the North Philadelphia community, ensuring all patients have access to high-quality specialty care. This dedication to community service is matched by a focus on incorporating education regarding social determinants of health and health equity into the fellowship's didactic elements. Those interested in expanded training in urban health are provided opportunities within the Urban Bioethics Program.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship. Common visa types supported may include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating participation for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. The competitive nature of fellowship admission necessitates a robust application, with attention to prior clinical experience and academic achievements.

Application requirements typically include a completed residency in an accredited internal medicine program and a record of strong performance on examinations. The program welcomes candidates with DO and IMG backgrounds, providing a comprehensive approach to fellowship admissions.

Fellow Interaction and Community

Becoming part of the Temple family is a significant aspect of the fellow experience. Throughout their training, fellows are not only involved in patient care but also play an essential role in educating residents and medical students. The Lewis Katz School of Medicine’s proximity fosters collaborative educational opportunities, enriching the academic environment.