University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Integrated Fellowship Training Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (DEM) at the University of California, San Francisco, is a comprehensive and robust program designed for physicians who have completed their training in Internal Medicine. The program offers specialized training that prepares fellows for careers both as clinician scientists and educators, as well as leading clinical endocrinologists. It is fully accredited, ensuring that graduates are qualified for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) specialty board certification in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Graduates often secure positions in academic medicine, clinical practices, and the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries, which highlights the program's competitive standing in the field.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to include a first clinical year focusing exclusively on hands-on training in diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism. This year consists of four three-month rotations, with six months at the UCSF Parnassus site and three months each at the San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SFVAMC) and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). This design offers extensive exposure to a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient endocrinological cases covering conditions related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary, parathyroids, and more. Furthermore, fellows also receive training in advanced techniques such as thyroid ultrasound and insulin pump therapy, among others.2

Research Opportunities

The program provides two distinct pathways for research training through the Academic/Research Training Track: the Basic and Translational Scientist Pathway and the Clinical Research Pathway. The Basic and Translational Scientist Pathway offers hands-on training and access to resources like the UCSF Molecular Medicine Training Program. The Clinical Research Pathway focuses on mentored research experiences tailored to fellows’ interests and backgrounds, heavily involving projects in clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with a variety of mentors throughout their training, giving them exposure to research across multiple disciplines.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

UCSF’s Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism distinguishes itself through its commitment to individualized mentoring and comprehensive training programs. The fellowship includes multiple avenues for clinical exposure, ranging from outpatient clinics to specialized continuity clinics, ensuring that fellows follow patients over time. The program emphasizes educational experiences through weekly didactics, tumor boards, and other conferences, which foster a deeper understanding of endocrinology.3

Training Sites

The program boasts three primary training sites: the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the UCSF Medical Center. Each site offers a unique patient demographic and clinical challenges, thus providing a rich diverse clinical environment for fellows.2

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program supports visa applicants and is eligible to sponsor J-1 visa holders specifically for the Clinical Track. For application processes, candidates must have completed or be in training at a U.S. residency program. There are no specific requirements concerning the year of graduation or the maximum number of failed STEP exams, as the selection process is holistic, evaluating candidates on their overall potential and trajectory in medicine.4

Competitiveness

The University of California, San Francisco’s Endocrinology Fellowship is considered highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in Internal Medicine, and the program has a solid track record of placing fellows into prestigious positions in academia and clinical practice after graduation.1

Conferences and Continuing Education

Fellows are additionally exposed to an extensive array of conferences and continuing medical education (CME) opportunities. This includes Endocrine Grand Rounds and various specialized tumor boards that enhance the learning through collaborative discussions with seasoned endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals.3