Tulane University School of Medicine Program

The program in Geriatric Medicine at the Tulane University School of Medicine is structured to provide residents with comprehensive training in the field of geriatrics, preparing them for a career dedicated to the care of the elderly population. The program benefits from a robust framework of clinical education, research, and community service.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the program is to utilize evidence-based medicine to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and to educate future medical professionals in the principles of professionalism and humanism as it relates to geriatric care.2 The vision emphasizes delivering exceptional healthcare to the New Orleans community with an ongoing commitment to educating residents and students about health and disease.

Training and Curriculum

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Tulane encompasses diverse training opportunities through various clinical settings, including East Jefferson General Hospital, University Medical Center-New Orleans, and the Southeast Veterans Affairs Hospital.1 Residents engage in a curriculum designed to cover all aspects of geriatric care, merging clinical practice with academic learning.

Clinical Rotations

Residents rotate through multiple specialties that focus on geriatric medicine, including palliative care, hospital medicine, and ambulatory clinics.1 Comprehensive rotations are enhanced by specialized sites such as Tulane's Living Well Clinic and the Tulane Total Health Clinic, which cater to the unique healthcare needs of older adults.

Research Opportunities

The program offers substantial research opportunities through projects that explore various domains, including chronic disease management, minority health disparities, and health policy.4 Research faculty collaborate closely with departments such as Epidemiology and Public Health, allowing residents to engage in impactful scientific inquiry.

Unique Aspects

Tulane's program places a strong emphasis on cultural competency and delivering care to underserved populations, benefiting greatly from New Orleans' diverse community. The faculty’s patient-centered approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that adapt to the multifaceted health challenges faced by elderly patients.2

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is highly competitive, welcoming applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in training.3 For candidates, additional application requirements may include limits on the number of attempts for USMLE Step exams or specified timeframes since graduation.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants, typically supporting J-1 and H-1B visa types. This inclusivity allows residents from various countries to receive training and contribute to the geriatric medical field within the United States.1

Faculty and Support Staff

The program is staffed by a knowledgeable faculty of over 58 members, offering mentorship and education in various aspects of geriatrics, palliative care, and general internal medicine.5 Each team member is dedicated to developing a supportive environment conducive to professional growth.