University of Alabama Medical Center Program

The Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham is recognized as a leading institution in the field of endocrinology. With a commitment to providing superior clinical care, conducting groundbreaking research, and shaping the future generation of physicians, the program is highly regarded nationally. The program is characterized by its comprehensive training and educational opportunities for physicians and future scientists, promoting their passion for endocrinology.

The Fellowship Programs

The division offers a rigorous two-year Endocrinology Fellowship and a one-year Obesity Medicine Fellowship. The Endocrinology Fellowship is designed to provide extensive hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of leading experts in the field, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Trainees will rotate through various subspecialty clinics at several premier sites, including UAB Hospital, the eighth largest public hospital in the U.S., and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These training experiences extend to outpatient settings, covering a broad spectrum of endocrine disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and more.

Clinical Rotations and Electives

Fellows in the Endocrinology program will engage in both mandatory and elective rotations across diverse clinical environments. This includes inpatient consult services and specialized outpatient clinics such as the Pituitary Clinic, Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Clinic, and Insulin Pump & Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Clinic. Each rotation provides fellows with the opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in managing endocrine disorders through direct patient care and interaction with other healthcare specialists.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the fellowship experience at UAB. Each fellow is encouraged to identify a research mentor within the first months of training and engage deeply in a project that may be clinical or laboratory-based. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry, with fellows typically dedicating about 70% of their time to research during their second year. This emphasis on research enables fellows to contribute to significant advancements in the fields of diabetes and endocrinology.

Obesity Medicine Fellowship

The one-year Obesity Medicine Fellowship program equips trainees with essential skills for managing obesity-related diseases. This fellowship includes rigorous clinical training with rotations focused on the integrated treatment of obesity, mental health, and related conditions. Fellows will engage with multidisciplinary teams while working in various clinics, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.

Education and Training

The educational framework within the division includes intensive teaching opportunities where fellows are expected to be involved in training medical students and residents. This interactive educational style not only benefits the learners but also enriches the fellows' own understanding of endocrinology. Regular teaching conferences and grand rounds discussions are integral parts of the training schedule.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The division sponsors J1 and H1B visas, expanding opportunities for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds who are eager to enhance their expertise in the field of endocrinology. There is no minimum USMLE score required for applicants; however, all steps must be completed at the time of application.

Application Requirements

The application process for the fellowship requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and includes a current CV, medical school transcripts, a dean’s letter, and three letters of recommendation. Fresh graduates from ACGME-accredited residency programs in diverse specialties are also encouraged to apply, provided they fulfill any licensing requirements in Alabama.

Training Institutions

The fellowship program is not only based at UAB Hospital but also collaborates with various associated institutions, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Kirklin Clinic. The multidisciplinary environment at these institutions fosters a comprehensive learning experience where fellows can gain insights from experts in multiple fields relevant to endocrine health.

Research Capabilities

Research conducted within the division is at the forefront of advancing knowledge in diabetes and metabolic disorders. The division actively participates in clinical trials, contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies that may soon become standard care. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research within this collaborative milieu, enhancing their learning and contributing to the scientific community.

Unique Features of the Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism program at UAB prides itself on fostering a collegial training environment that emphasizes mentorship and professional growth. Faculty members are not only dedicated educators but also active researchers committed to discovering innovative approaches to managing endocrine diseases. The integration of clinical care and research education ensures that trainees are well-prepared for future careers in academia or clinical practice.