University of Kansas School of Medicine Program

The Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine is a two-year training program designed to cultivate skilled clinicians in endocrine diseases who are equipped for success in both academic and private healthcare settings. The program's mission is to produce compassionate and competent physicians who will be certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Endocrinology, focusing on lifelong learning and community engagement.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program is comprehensive, with rotations primarily centered at two sites:

• The University of Kansas Health System (8 months/year)
• The Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center (4 months/year)

During their training, fellows dedicate time to outpatient and inpatient consultations, focusing on managing endocrine disorders. Furthermore, fellows are required to complete a research experience, dedicating a total of six months to research and quality improvement (QI) projects under faculty guidance. This structure reinforces the integration of clinical practice with academic inquiry.

The rotation schedule for first-year fellows includes:

• KU Inpatient Consults (4 months)
• KU Endocrine Ambulatory Clinic (2 months)
• KCVA Ambulatory Clinic (2 months)
• Designed Research Rotation (2 months at KCVA, 1 month at KU)

The second-year fellows further their experience through clinical rotations alongside an expanded focus on dedicated research and elective opportunities.

Core Competencies

The Endocrinology Fellowship emphasizes competence across six pivotal domains as identified by the ACGME and ABIM. These core competencies include:

• Patient Care
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Systems-Based Practice

Fellows are expected to engage in self-evaluation and apply ongoing feedback to improve their clinical practice and learning processes.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship. Each fellow is provided the opportunity to engage in quality research directly relevant to endocrine pathology which contributes to a greater understanding of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The KU Diabetes Institute, under renowned faculty, facilitates an interdisciplinary dynamic that encourages collaboration across multiple specialties.

Application Process

Fellowship candidates can apply for either one or two positions annually through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key application components include:

• MyERAS application
• Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Letters of Recommendation (including one from the Residency Program Director)
• USMLE/COMLEX transcripts

Candidates must hold an MD or DO from an accredited medical school and have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine. The program gives priority to candidates who have dedicated research interests and previous training in Internal Medicine.

Benefits Overview

The fellowship comes with a competitive benefits package that includes a stipend, insurance options (health, dental, and malpractice), meal allowances, and education resources. Fellows receive additional stipends for conference attendance and educational materials, along with generous vacation and sick leave policies:

• 3 weeks of vacation annually
• 2 weeks of sick leave annually
• Funding for board preparation and conference attendance

Visa Support

The program is friendly towards international candidates and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the program requirements.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Kansas is competitive, addressing both DO and IMG candidates positively. Applicants must have strong academic performances reflected in their USMLE or COMLEX scores and meet specific graduation criteria from medical schools. There are limitations on the number of failed STEP exams, indicating the program's commitment to maintaining high educational standards.