UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1512421164The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed for physicians who have completed training in internal or family medicine. This program emphasizes the health and well-being of older adults, providing a comprehensive exposure to various healthcare settings and practices tailored to the unique needs of this population.
The fellowship is structured to include a combination of longitudinal and block clinical experiences across outpatient, inpatient, home care, long-term care, and subacute care environments. This broad exposure allows fellows to comprehensively learn the principles of Geriatric Medicine while working closely with faculty from multiple departments within UMass Chan.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum incorporates a diverse range of educational activities aimed at providing a well-rounded training experience. Fellows participate in hands-on clinical care, alongside formal educational conferences that cover critical geriatric topics. Weekly supervision in the geriatric medicine ambulatory clinic is a cornerstone of the training, where fellows supervise evaluations of patients over 70 years of age and follow a panel of patients throughout their fellowship.
1Longitudinal Experiences
Alongside the clinical experiences, fellows engage in a half-day per week at a long-term care facility, following a group of patients with a faculty preceptor. This hands-on training is complemented by time spent with an interprofessional team at one of the local PACE sites, allowing fellows to integrate care across settings. Such exposure is critical for developing a broad perspective on the complexities involved in geriatric medicine.
2Block Rotations
The fellowship also includes several block rotations focusing on different aspects of geriatric medicine. For instance, fellows rotate through long-term care centers where they manage new admissions and coordinate care with various specialists, thereby gaining invaluable proficiency in both acute and chronic care settings.
3Educational Conferences
Fellows participate in a twice-monthly Geriatric Medicine Conference Series, which is vital for discussing recent developments and case studies in geriatric care. Other components include journal clubs and grand rounds, ensuring ongoing professional development through engagement with the wider medical community.
4Research and Quality Improvement
In addition to clinical training, fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities and quality improvement projects, contributing to ongoing scholarship in geriatric medicine. This not only enhances the educational experience but also impacts patient care positively.
5Fellowship Faculty
The program is supported by a dedicated faculty team from both the Department of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. This dual affiliation enriches the academic environment and provides fellows with mentors who are experts in their fields, from comprehensive geriatric assessment to palliative care.
6Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UMass is competitive and aims to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Applicants should have completed their residency in internal or family medicine. While there are no strict limits on attempts for the USMLE exams, candidates are expected to show resilience and academic competence throughout their training. The program is friendly to both MD and DO graduates, as well as IMGs, thus broadening its accessibility.
7Visa Support
The fellowship program offers support for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating international medical graduates in pursuing their training in the United States. This is an essential aspect of the program's commitment to fostering a diverse and international learning environment.
8Testimonials from Fellows
Current and past fellows have expressed high satisfaction with the training received during the fellowship, citing the breadth of learning opportunities, collegial environment, and extensive support from faculty as critical to their professional development. Testimonials highlight experiences in teaching, quality improvement projects, and personal growth in geriatric medicine.
9Overall, the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School stands out in its comprehensive approach to training skilled geriatricians, preparing them to meet the complex needs of older adults.
10Website
Director
Erika Zimmons, DO, MSProgram Director, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health Appointed Since September 2019Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,384First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents 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
