UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Clinical informatics (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1392414002Clinical informatics is a specialized field that incorporates informatics and information technology to enhance healthcare delivery. The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School is a comprehensive two-year ACGME-accredited program designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to effectively analyze, design, implement, and evaluate healthcare information and communication systems that improve patient care and health outcomes across populations. This program is sponsored by the Department of Medicine, though it welcomes applicants from all medical specialties who have completed or are about to complete an accredited residency program 1.
The fellowship is focused on training individuals who aspire to take on leadership roles in clinical informatics, combining clinical practice with the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. The program’s core faculty consists of experienced professionals who have both clinical and academic expertise in the realms of informatics, ensuring a rich learning environment for fellows 1.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is designed to provide a broad exposure to various aspects of clinical informatics and is structured around a series of rotations and longitudinal experiences. Fellows will engage in rotations through different specialties including the Clinical Informatics Section and the Program in Digital Medicine. These experiences will allow fellows to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while gaining hands-on experience in informatics 6.
In the first year, fellows will receive Epic Physician Builder Training, and every fellow will be enrolled in the Oregon Health & Science University’s Graduate Certificate program in Health & Clinical Informatics, with tuition covered by the fellowship. Additionally, fellows will engage in a capstone project that they will plan and develop throughout the fellowship, gaining practical insights into the application of informatics in real-world scenarios 6.
Research Opportunities
Fellows will have ample opportunities to participate in clinical research. Under the guidance of core faculty members, they can engage in research associated with diverse fields such as implementation science, artificial intelligence, and disease management. The program encourages fellows to incorporate their research into either an elective block rotation or their capstone project, allowing for the integration of practical experiences with academic inquiry 8.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Notably, the Clinical Informatics Fellowship at UMass Chan places a significant emphasis on the intersection of technology and patient care, with a focus on quality improvement, patient safety, and medical management. This training prepares fellows for potential board certification in clinical informatics, a requirement that will be mandatory for all physicians by 2025 7.
The program also boasts a partnership with the UMass Memorial Health clinical system, which includes advanced telehealth programs and the Hospital at Home initiative. This affiliation enhances the fellowship experience and provides invaluable insights into applied clinical informatics 6.
Application Process and Eligibility
To apply for the fellowship, candidates should utilize the AAMC’s Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Applications must be accompanied by several components including a personal statement, medical school transcript, updated CV, and at least three letters of reference, one of which should focus on the applicant's interest in clinical informatics 2. Notably, all candidates must hold an ACGME-accredited residency or corresponding Canadian equivalent by the fellowship start date. Having active membership in the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) is also mandatory for all applicants 2.
Visa Support
The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at UMass Chan is committed to supporting international applicants by providing visa sponsorship for relevant types of visas. This support allows both Domestic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to partake in the fellowship program as long as they meet the eligibility requirements regarding previous training and licensure 3.
Competitiveness
This fellowship is recognized as a highly competitive application process, welcoming diverse candidates from various residency programs including DOs and IMGs. The program's broad focus on clinical informatics ensures that it appeals to a wide range of applicants, but securing a position necessitates a strong application that highlights relevant experiences in clinical informatics and technology integration in healthcare settings 2.
Additional Features
Fellows benefit from a stable and large Epic deployment encompassing over 2.6 million patients, acknowledgments from Epic in the form of Gold Stars Level 10 recognition, and opportunities for independent practice up to 20% of the fellowship duration. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to participate in various scholarly activities, including grand rounds and journal clubs, thereby contributing to ongoing learning and professional development in clinical informatics 6.
Website
Director
Stephen B Erban, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since September 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,384First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
Interview Questions
