UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Geriatric Medicine Fellowship as part of its Internal Medicine Residency Program. This specialized fellowship aims to cultivate highly skilled practitioners in the field of geriatrics, emphasizing both clinical excellence and scholarly research. The fellowship is designed to train residents to meet the healthcare needs of the aging population through diverse clinical exposure and in-depth understanding of geriatric medicine.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is meticulously structured to provide residents with extensive training in geriatric assessment, management of complex health issues in older adults, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. Fellows participate in didactic sessions, clinical rotations, and community outreach, ensuring a well-rounded education. This includes exposure to various geriatric syndromes, including dementia, frailty, pain management, and end-of-life care.1

Rotations

Fellows will rotate through several key clinical sites, including the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, and the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Each site offers unique opportunities to work with diverse populations, addressing the complexity of geriatric care in varying settings, such as inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.2

Inpatient Rotations

During inpatient rotations, fellows focus on managing geriatric patients through a variety of specialties, including acute care, rehabilitation, and palliative services. These rotations provide fellows with hands-on experience in assessing geriatric patients’ complex medical needs.3

Outpatient Clinics

Outpatient clinic experience includes continuity clinics where fellows follow geriatric patients over time, assisting in longitudinal care that enhances their understanding of chronic conditions and comprehensive geriatric assessment.4

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on research within geriatric medicine. Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, presenting their findings at national conferences and participating in grant writing. They have access to extensive mentorship and support for research initiatives, focusing on improving clinical outcomes for older adults.5

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its training. Its commitment to fostering a diverse community of health professionals is evident in its recruitment strategies and supportive initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups in medicine. The fellowship leverages its diverse faculty and patient population to enrich the educational experience.6

Training Sites

In addition to the main training locations previously mentioned, fellows benefit from collaborations with community organizations and agencies focused on geriatrics. This involvement enhances their understanding of community health needs and the socio-economic factors affecting patient care.7

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking to enter the fellowship. J-1 visa sponsorship is standard, while exceptional candidates may be considered for H-1B visas, subject to the program's discretion.8

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UCLA is competitive, attracting applicants from various medical schools nationally and internationally. Exceptionally qualified applicants, including DO and IMG degrees, are encouraged to apply. Common application requirements include completion of a residency in Internal Medicine, successful performance on Step exams, and strong letters of recommendation. Specific limits on the number of prior failed Step attempts may be enforced based on national standards.9

Community and Resident Life

Life as a fellow at UCLA incorporates active engagement within the Los Angeles community, offering opportunities for social interaction and professional networking. Fellows often participate in clubs and committees that foster camaraderie and promote wellness initiatives within the program.10