University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program in Geriatric Medicine

The Division of Academic Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago provides a comprehensive fellowship program in Geriatric Medicine aimed at training qualified applicants in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. The program emphasizes high-quality clinical care, scholarly activity, and educational excellence, reflecting the overarching mission of the Department of Medicine.

Curriculum Overview

The Geriatric Fellowship encompasses a one-year training experience that includes clinical rotations designed to enhance fellows' exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios. Key elements of the curriculum include:

• Weekly Clinics: Fellows participate in half-day clinics at the Geri-Patient Aligned Care Team (Geri-PACT), South Loop Clinic, and Barton Senior Residences, focusing on hands-on patient care.
• Monthly Rotations: Core rotations may include Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), VA Consults, Gero-Psychiatry, and specialized areas such as Hospice & Palliative Care and Memory Disorders Clinic.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: Training involves interaction with professionals from various fields including physical therapy, nursing, social work, and pharmacy to promote comprehensive geriatric assessment and management.

Additionally, fellows engage in journal clubs, case conferences, and participate in a quality improvement project culminating in a presentation at a local or national conference.

Clinical Rotations and Research Opportunities

The fellowship program affords a rich clinical experience through diverse placements in settings such as:

• University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System
• Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
• Various long-term care facilities in the Chicagoland area

Fellows are encouraged to take part in research activities aimed at addressing issues of health disparities, particularly focusing on underserved communities. The program collaborates with the Institute for Health Research and Policy and engages community organizations and health care providers.

Special Application Requirements

To apply for the Geriatric Fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME or ACGME-I accredited Internal Medicine or Family Medicine residency program. The program only accepts four fellows per year, and J1 visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is considered competitive and is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the educational and training prerequisites. The acceptance rate may vary based on the applicant pool and program capacity.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for applicant who qualify under a J1 visa, allowing international fellows to participate in this one-year training program.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The Division's research focus includes evaluating interventions that promote healthy lifestyles and support chronic disease self-management. Notable research projects involve collaborations with community entities aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Fellows can participate in ongoing clinical studies and pursue grant opportunities to further their academic careers.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of the Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Illinois is its comprehensive approach to geriatric education, which integrates clinical practice, research, and community engagement. The combination of academic rigor and hands-on experience prepares fellows for leadership roles in Geriatrics.

Conclusion

With a balanced emphasis on educational advancement, clinical excellence, and research, the Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine gives fellows the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in their future careers in geriatrics.