University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s Rheumatology Fellowship Program is dedicated to training exceptional academic physician-scientists and clinician educators. Established in 1966, the program provides a comprehensive training experience that prepares fellows for a successful career in rheumatology.

Clinical Training

The program offers multi-dimensional clinical training, with fellows gaining continuity care experience at several locations, including UC Medical Center, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, and UC Health Midtown locations. Each of these sites presents unique learning opportunities and a wide range of clinical exposures to diverse rheumatologic conditions. Additionally, fellows rotate through faculty clinics at various locations, including West Chester.

As the only academic rheumatology center in the tristate region, fellows experience a high volume of complex cases that enrich their training. They are actively involved in inpatient consultation blocks at the UC Medical Center, which is recognized as the largest tertiary referral center in the region.

Curriculum and Rotations

The delineation of the training schedule indicates a structured format that includes essential training components. During the first year, fellows are required to complete:

• 4 UC Medical Center Consult Blocks
• 4 Elective Blocks
• 4 Ambulatory Clinical Blocks
• 1 Orientation and Quality Improvement Block

In the second year, the structure consists of:

• 2.5 UC Medical Center Consult Blocks
• 9.5 Elective Blocks, inclusive of specialties such as Radiology and Quality Improvement

Fellows also participate in elective rotations in dermatology, pediatric rheumatology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and orthopedics to develop a well-rounded understanding of rheumatic diseases.

Quality Improvement and Education

A significant aspect of the fellowship is the mandated training in Quality Improvement (QI). Fellows complete the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI®) basic certification and design a personalized QI project with faculty guidance. This initiative enhances fellows' leadership skills and focuses on improving patient care delivery.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) is integral to the training. The program incorporates this modality into clinical education and features dedicated hands-on sessions throughout the academic year. Second-year fellows participate actively in two ultrasound clinics on a weekly basis, where they gain practical experience in both diagnostic and therapeutic uses of MSKUS.

Didactics and Conferences

Fellows engage in a robust didactic curriculum every Thursday morning, from 8 AM to 12 PM. This includes interactive lectures by rheumatology faculty and external speakers covering critical topics in the field. The program encourages self-directed learning, including participation in an organized “Kelly book club” aimed at enhancing foundational knowledge of clinicopathologic principles. Weekly conferences are also held on Friday afternoons, featuring various topics that rotate on a four-week schedule.

Opportunities for Research and Academic Advancement

The program emphasizes research, encouraging fellows to participate in scholarly activities that may include basic science, translational, or clinical research projects. This is complemented by the IMSTAR Fellowship, which enables further academic exploration in rheumatology.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

The fellowship program strongly aligns with the vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring varied representation in candidate selection and training. The commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment applies throughout the recruitment process, promoting diversity across multiple dimensions among fellows, faculty, and staff.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs), typically providing support for J-1 and H-1B visa types. It is generally perceived as competitive, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Rheumatology Fellowship Program must use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Specific requirements may include limitations on the number of failed STEP examinations and considerations related to the year of graduation.