University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

Overview of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program

The University of Louisville School of Medicine offers a Geriatric Medicine Fellowship as a part of its Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine. This program is designed to equip fellows with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for addressing the needs of the aging population. The fellowship fosters an understanding of geriatrics through hands-on experience in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship includes a structured curriculum that consists of diverse rotations. Fellows engage in rotations that start on the first day of the month and conclude on the last day. The rotation schedule typically spans over a year, with the following breakdown:

• 3 months of Hospital Service
• 2 months in Nursing Home settings
• 2 months of Home-Based Palliative Care at the Veterans Administration (VA)
• 2 months of Hospice/Palliative Care at the VA
• 1 month in Rehabilitation
• 2 months of elective rotations

Each fellow is required to complete two Hospice/Palliative Care and two Home-Based Palliative Care rotations at the VA, thereby fostering well-rounded clinical exposure and experience in geriatrics.

Didactic Sessions

Fellows are expected to participate actively in didactic sessions scheduled every Tuesday afternoon, beginning at 3:00 PM. These sessions encompass various educational components designed to enhance the fellow's learning. Attendance is mandatory, with a target of at least 80% participation required. Notably, the Journal Club occurs on the fourth Tuesday of each month, promoting scholarly discussions and collaborative learning among fellows and faculty.

Research Opportunities

Engagement in research is a pivotal expectation during the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to work on scholarly projects, aiming to submit abstracts to both the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) national meetings. Specific time is allocated within the schedule for these research activities, facilitating a culture of academic inquiry and professional growth.

Benefits and Stipends

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship program provides fellows with a comprehensive benefits package, including four weeks of vacation, malpractice insurance, and health insurance. Members also receive stipends approved by Graduate Medical Education, membership dues for the AGS and AMDA, laboratory coats, and continuing medical education (CME) funds. Travel expenses for national conferences such as AGS and AMDA are also covered.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, particularly those applying for J-1 visas or H-1B visas. It is crucial for applicants to comply with the specific visa application requirements. In terms of application competitiveness, the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the University of Louisville is recognized as being friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates, allowing for a diverse applicant pool.

Unique Aspects

The Frazier Polypharmacy Program, established in 2007 within the Department, is aimed at addressing the increasing challenges associated with polypharmacy among the elderly and various age groups. This program emphasizes research and education on how multiple medications are managed within the healthcare system, thereby enriching the fellows' training by integrating these pressing health issues into the curriculum.