University of Maryland Program

The University of Maryland Rheumatology fellowship program is a comprehensive two-year, ACGME-accredited training designed for physicians who are either board-eligible or board-certified in Internal Medicine. The primary goals of the program are to prepare physicians for independent practice in the diagnosis and management of various rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases while fostering the development of compassionate clinicians who deliver equitable and patient-centered care. Additionally, it supports trainees in exploring their career paths through mentorship in clinical practice, research, and medical education, all while emphasizing lifelong learning skills.

The clinical and didactic foundations of the program are robust, with an emphasis on training for clinical practice. Moreover, it provides tailored opportunities for those aspiring to become physician-scientists or clinical educators in academic rheumatology. The fellowship program encompasses diverse training experiences, including inpatient consultation services, weekly continuity clinics, and divisional conferences, all across various academic and community medical sites.

Training Rotations

Fellows will rotate through several key training sites, including:

• University of Maryland Medical Center
• Baltimore VA Medical Center
• University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute

The rotations provide a well-rounded exposure to clinical practice. Furthermore, fellows have access to a variety of elective rotations, such as pediatric rheumatology, lupus clinic, sports medicine, orthopedics, radiology, and osteoporosis and bone metabolism. This variety fosters a comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical training experience.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured into two distinct years:

First Year

In the first year, fellows will devote eight months to inpatient consultation services at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Baltimore VA Medical Center. They will work closely with clinical faculty, who will supervise the fellows and discuss cases following initial evaluations. As outpatient care is paramount in rheumatology, fellows attend weekly continuity clinics where they manage a designated panel of patients consistently throughout their fellowship. Additional outpatient experiences include monthly osteoporosis and metabolic bone clinics, arthritis clinics at the VA, and pediatric rheumatology opportunities. Competencies in procedures such as arthrocentesis, joint injections, synovial fluid analysis, and musculoskeletal imaging are developed.

Second Year

The second year of training consists of four months of inpatient consultation, with continued participation in continuity clinics. The remaining duration is dedicated to clinical electives, scholarly activity, and significant responsibilities related to medical student and house staff training. The second-year fellows have a unique opportunity to work directly with the fellowship program director and participate in specialized clinics.

Didactic Education and Conferences

Fellows partake in weekly divisional conferences that include activities such as grand rounds, journal clubs, core clinical conferences, and lectures from multi-disciplinary specialists in rheumatology. They are encouraged to attend national conferences, including the American College of Rheumatology meetings, which support their educational growth.

Application Process

The fellowship program is competitive, with one position available each year. Candidates must complete a U.S.-based Internal Medicine residency program and should be board-eligible or certified. Applications must be submitted through ERAS, and those who are non-U.S. citizens are eligible if they have a permanent resident status or a J-1 visa, as the program does not provide H-1 visa sponsorship. The application requirements include:

• ERAS application
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Medical school transcript
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores
• Photograph

Visiting rotations are encouraged to familiarize candidates with the program and Baltimore, though participation does not guarantee an interview.

Support for Visa Candidates

The program offers support for candidates requiring a visa, specifically J-1 visas, while clarifying that sponsorship for H-1 visas is not available. This aspect is essential for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to gain experience in the U.S. healthcare system.