Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Lubbock Program

The Geriatrics Fellowship Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock is statutorily designed to prepare fellows for a richly interactive clinical and academic experience in the field of geriatric medicine. The program focuses on training medical students, residents, and allied health professionals through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both clinical acumen and educational strategies.

The fellowship encompasses a full range of clinical activities, extending beyond just hospital settings. Fellows engage in outpatient/ambulatory care, long-term care facilities, assisted living settings, hospice care, and home visits, ensuring a multifaceted approach to geriatric patient management.

Facilities and Resources

TTUHSC-Lubbock features distinguished facilities, including the Mildred and Shirley L. Garrison Geriatric Education and Care Center, which is noted as the first on-site teaching nursing home established by a medical school in the United States. Additionally, the Texas Tech Physicians’ Pavilion serves as a modern outpatient facility dedicated to ambulatory care services, further enriching the educational experience of fellows.

Research Opportunities

Research within the program is bolstered by affiliations with the TTUHSC Garrison Institute on Aging and the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health. These institutes provide a platform for collaborative research initiatives, focusing on the aging population's health, a vital aspect of the program’s mission. The program acknowledges the significance of academic inquiry and invites fellows to engage in research that may translate into improvements in geriatric care.

Application Process

The application for the Geriatrics Fellowship is processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package which includes a curriculum vitae (C.V.), a personal statement, three letters of reference, a Dean's letter, medical school transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. Although there are no specific minimum score criteria, it is mandated that applicants must pass each exam within their first two attempts, with the exception of the Clinical Skills (CS) portion of Step 2, which must be passed on the first attempt.

Candidates are required to be graduates of an accredited program in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics, which must be confirmed through ERAS. Additionally, all applicants must meet the licensing requirements set forth by the Texas Medical Board prior to acceptance, which includes being ECFMG certified for international medical graduates (IMGs).

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers sponsorship specifically for J-1 visas, catering to the needs of international fellows looking to specialize in geriatric medicine within the United States. It's imperative that IMGs ensure compliance with the regulations set forth by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before applying.

Competitive Aspects

The Geriatrics Fellowship at TTUHSC is considered highly competitive, drawing applicants from a diverse range of medical schools across the country. The fellowship program is structured not only for U.S. graduates but also emphasizes being IMG-friendly, offering support and understanding of the unique challenges faced by international applicants.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellowship participants enjoy numerous benefits including an annual salary of approximately $70,283.84, comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options inclusive of family coverage. Other perks include a $1,250 moving stipend upon entrance to the fellowship, 20 days of paid vacation, and provisions for continuing medical education (CME), enabling fellows to attend courses and workshops that advance their professional skills. Additionally, the program provides a name-embroidered lab coat, parking spaces for fellows, and ACLS re-certification tuition coverage.

Fellows are also encouraged to participate in an annual retreat to foster professional bonding and rejuvenation from the rigors of clinical duties.