University of Minnesota Program

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive Fellowship Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, designed to prepare trainees for careers in endocrinology. This intensive two-year fellowship provides in-depth clinical training and research opportunities, focusing on the full spectrum of endocrine diseases, including diabetes and thyroid conditions. The program has been operational since 1984 and has successfully trained over 70 fellows, many of whom have advanced to prominent positions in academia and research.

Curriculum Overview: The fellowship curriculum emphasizes both clinical and research training. Over a span of 24 months, fellows engage in a variety of clinical rotations, each lasting approximately two months. Most fellowship years will comprise around 12-18 months of direct clinical education. Key components of the curriculum include:

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through three primary teaching hospitals: University of Minnesota Medical Center - Fairview (UMMC), Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS), and Hennepin Healthcare (HHC). Each rotation provides exposure to diverse patient populations and endocrine-related health issues:

• UMMC: General endocrinology and diabetes clinics, as well as specialized clinics in weight management and pituitary disorders.
• MVAHCS: Clinics focusing on diabetes management, thyroid diseases, and osteoporosis.
• HHC: Provides experience dealing with urban populations, emphasizing general endocrinology and diabetes care.

In addition to outpatient clinics, fellows will participate in inpatient consult services across all hospitals, enhancing their clinical acumen in managing acute endocrine issues.

Research Training

The program mandates that fellows dedicate at least 6 months to research, with opportunities to extend their research endeavor for an additional year. Research themes within the fellowship include basic laboratory research, clinical investigations, and participation in NIH-funded trials. Facilities for research are vast and include access to the NIH Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Recent fellows have worked on notable projects in thyroid cancer genetics and diabetes management strategies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

For international applicants, the program sponsors only the J-1 visa, which is preferred for foreign nationals pursuing graduate medical education in the United States. The program is competitive, welcoming applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those holding J-1 status. To qualify, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine or related fields.

Application Requirements

Prospective fellows should be aware of specific application prerequisites, including:

• Completion of a US ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine prior to the fellowship.
• Requirements for USMLE Steps I and II, with successful completion needed.
• Submission of a detailed CV, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
• International graduates must provide a valid ECFMG certificate.

Interviews are conducted in person, with candidates expected to demonstrate their motivation for pursuing an endocrinology fellowship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Minnesota program is noted for its collegial environment and commitment to supporting underrepresented minorities in medicine, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds. The program’s faculty are well-respected in their fields and possess a strong mentorship commitment, emphasizing both academic and personal growth throughout the fellowship experience.

Within the fellowship, fellows are also engaged in various teaching conferences that cover core curriculum topics, clinical discussions, and basic science discussions, thus ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.