University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Rheumatology Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive two-year training designed to develop skilled rheumatologists who excel in clinical practice. The program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, and a robust clinical and research foundation.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the program is to train high-caliber physicians capable of delivering expert care in rheumatology across diverse settings. The fellowship focuses on clinical excellence and the cultivation of knowledgeable consultants in the field. This vision supports a long-standing tradition of training since the late 1950s, highlighting a commitment to both educational rigor and clinical skill development 1.

Fellowship Structure

Fellow training comprises of full participation in several aspects of rheumatology, including outpatient clinics, inpatient consultation services, and significant research involvement. The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive increase in responsibility over the two years:

• Year 1: Involves intensive clinical exposure and didactic learning through dedicated conferences.
• Year 2: Focuses on advanced clinical responsibilities, including the design of educational curriculum components.

Fellows engage in various didactic conferences including, but not limited to, the Rheumatology Grand Rounds and a bi-monthly Journal Club 1.

Clinical Experience

The clinical experience is multifaceted, with fellows participating in general rheumatology clinics, as well as three inpatient rotations across different facilities:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• UHealth Tower
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Such rotations ensure the fellow's exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide spectrum of rheumatic diseases. Fellows are responsible for organizing various service activities within these rotations while developing critical clinical evaluation skills 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

Research constitutes a core component of the fellowship. Each fellow is expected to engage in at least one research experience and undertake a Quality Improvement Project. The program allocates significant time dedicated to research, totaling six months over the two years. Fellows are encouraged to submit their findings for publication in relevant journals, focusing on cutting-edge topics in rheumatology such as the immunology of connective tissue diseases and therapeutic innovations in systemic lupus erythematosus 1.

Interdisciplinary Interaction

Fellows have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple disciplines that intersect with rheumatology, including Dermatology, Nephrology, and Pulmonary Medicine among others. This interdisciplinary exposure aids fellows in understanding the comprehensive nature of care required for patients with rheumatic disorders 1.

Call Schedule

Fellows do not have in-house call responsibilities; instead, they take calls from home, approximately once every four weeks, ensuring a balance between clinical demands and personal time 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J1 Visas for international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, facilitating access to training for qualified candidates from around the globe 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on competitive application requirements, necessitating successful completion of all components of the United States Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination prior to application. Additionally, applicants must have completed a residency in internal medicine that is accredited by the ACGME 1.

Cultural and Social Issues Awareness

The diversity inherent in the patient population and the types of hospitals engaged in the training program provides fellows with context regarding various cultural, social, behavioral, and economic issues. This exposure enhances fellows' ability to deliver empathetic and integrated care for patients with complex rheumatologic conditions 1.

Alumni and Future Placements

Fellows have historically placed well in various esteemed institutions and healthcare settings post-completion, demonstrating the program's commitment to excellence in training that yields competent and well-prepared rheumatologists 1.