University of Hawaii Program

Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Overview

The University of Hawaii's Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is designed to equip physicians with the necessary skills to care for the elderly population. This program emphasizes comprehensive geriatric education and practical experience, combining didactic teachings with diverse clinical training modules. Established in 1986, the fellowship has maintained its accreditation and has consistently demonstrated a notable pass rate on board examinations over the years, indicating a strong educational foundation within the program.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship integrates various aspects of geriatric care, including primary, consultative, and preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, psychiatric support, and palliative care. The unique challenges associated with elderly patients, such as multimorbidity, are addressed through a tailored educational approach.

Didactic and Clinical Training

Didactic Curriculum

Fellows participate in a strong didactic curriculum that comprises:

• Core lectures on essential geriatrics topics
• Palliative care and end-of-life care modules
• Dementia-focused lectures series
• Monthly Grand Rounds
• Evidence-based medicine series and journal clubs

This comprehensive educational framework ensures that fellows are well-prepared for various geriatric care scenarios.

Clinical Training Rotations

The clinical aspect of the fellowship spans multiple settings, allowing fellows to gain holistic exposure in various specialties:

• Longitudinal Primary Care experience
• Nursing home patient care
• Inpatient geriatric consultations
• Outpatient geriatric consultative services
• Experiences in Hospice and Pediatric Geriatric Psychiatry

Clinical Training Sites

The fellowship utilizes diverse clinical training sites, reflecting Hawaii's multicultural context. Key locations include:

• Kuakini Geriatric Care: Focused on providing primary care alongside extensive discussions on nursing home administration.
• Kaiser Permanente: A major site for HMO rotations offering comprehensive geriatric and palliative medicine experiences.
• Queen’s Medical Center: This site exposes fellows to inpatient consultations within a busy tertiary care setting.
• Veteran Administration Clinics: Providing outpatient and home care services to veterans.

Research Opportunities and Academic Engagement

Research and academic pursuits are encouraged throughout the fellowship. The program offers mentorship for research projects that align with the fellows' professional goals. Past projects have included involvement in significant studies such as:

• Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program
• Honolulu Asia Aging Study
• Women’s Health Initiative

Unique Aspects of Training

The University of Hawaii's Geriatric Medicine Fellowship stands out due to the unique demographic factors present in Hawaii. The state has the highest life expectancy in the U.S., and its diverse population allows fellows to engage with a variety of geriatric issues—ranging from chronic illness management to culturally responsive care practices.

Admissions and Application Process

This competitive fellowship program requires applicants to have completed a U.S. residency in either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Application materials suitable for the ERAS include:

• Personal statement detailing experience and interests in geriatrics
• Curriculum vitae
• 3-4 letters of recommendation (one from a geriatrician preferred)
• Medical school diploma (official translation if applicable)
• USMLE or COMLEX scores

In terms of visa requirements, the program supports J-1 visa sponsorship only. Additionally, candidates must obtain a permanent Hawaii medical license prior to the commencement of the fellowship.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is considered highly competitive, and while it welcomes applications from U.S. graduates, it is also open to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) provided they meet the necessary qualification criteria.