University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

Program Overview

The one-year Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is an ACGME-accredited program designed for physicians interested in advancing their careers in geriatric medicine and related specialties. The program is characterized by a small cohort size which fosters a personalized learning environment and supports individual career development. Fellows in this program will benefit from the expertise of a nationally recognized faculty with experience in various accolades and awards, enhancing both academic and clinical training in geriatrics.

Diversity, equity, and social justice are fundamental values emphasized by the program, reflecting a commitment to inclusiveness that is vital for solving complex problems and advancing innovation in geriatric healthcare.

Training Sites

The fellowship is primarily conducted through the Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, in partnership with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. This partnership enriches the fellowship experience by providing diverse training opportunities and exposure to a wide range of geriatric care settings.

Fellows will spend time at Banner University Medical Center Tucson, focusing on inpatient consult services for various geriatric programs. Additional experience will be gained from outpatient clinics and integrated care with interdisciplinary teams.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Geriatric Medicine rotation offers a robust curriculum encompassing various aspects of geriatric medicine. Fellows will engage in two to four-week rotations involving both inpatient consult services and community-based primary care programs.

During rotations, fellows will also work in specialized areas such as Geriatric Rehabilitation, Neurogeriatrics, ambulatory Geriatric Medicine Clinics, and joint consultations within the Fragility Fracture Service Clinic. There is also an immersive experience with the Palliative Care team, focusing on critical skills in symptom management and decision-making for complex cases.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to participate in research activities, allowing them to contribute to the body of knowledge in geriatrics. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in academic medicine, where they can integrate clinical practice with ongoing research endeavors.

Application Requirements and Eligibility

To apply for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, candidates must have completed a three-year residency in Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine. U.S. Citizenship, valid residency, or a J-1 visa status is required for eligibility, while H1-B visas are not supported by the program.

International Medical Graduates must hold a standard ECFMG Certificate and obtain an Arizona postgraduate training permit, ensuring that they meet the eligibility for training within the state. Application submissions are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) alongside registration with the NRMP Fellowship Match.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship provides competitive salary and benefits, including health and dental insurance, professional liability coverage, and a variety of allowances for educational materials and conferences.

Fellows are entitled to 22 days of paid vacation, ten paid holidays, and sick leave accrued from the first day of the month, alongside access to extensive resources such as a comprehensive medical library and various health-related educational materials.

Visa Support

The program supports U.S. citizenship, valid U.S. residency, and J-1 visas for international candidates, while H1-B visas are not sponsored. This policy facilitates the inclusion of a diverse group of physicians in training, enhancing the learning experience within the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona is considered highly competitive, attracting a range of candidates with rigorous training backgrounds primarily in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Anesthesiology. The program has structures in place to assess and select the most qualified individuals for interviews.