University of Minnesota Program

Program Overview

The University of Minnesota Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program aims to create highly competent clinical rheumatologists who can excel in academic education, physician-scientist roles, and compassionate community service. This two-year clinical training program emphasizes excellence, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to continuous learning and discovery.1

This program has a reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for both clinical practice and academic positions, as evidenced by its 100% ABIM exam pass rate since accreditation began.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive clinical exposure while integrating basic science, pharmacology, and outcomes research into rheumatology practice. Fellows will participate in required continuity clinics, general rheumatology, and specific condition clinics.1

Each fellow will engage in mentored research over four months during the two years of training, with the expectation of presenting findings at professional meetings such as the Annual University of Minnesota Department of Medicine Research Conference and the Annual American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Scientific Meetings.1

Training Sites

The training occurs at several prominent healthcare institutions:

• Hennepin Healthcare: A comprehensive academic medical center serving a diverse patient population, which includes specialized seminars and a focus on metabolic bone disorders and rheumatoid complications.1
• University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC): A tertiary referral center where fellows encounter a wide variety of rheumatic diseases and complex comorbidities.1
• Minneapolis VA Healthcare System: Modern facility serving a large veteran population, allowing fellows to gain expertise in unique rheumatic diseases prevalent within this demographic.1
• Regions Hospital/Health Partners: Recognized nationally for quality improvement, supporting high-volume clinical teaching in rheumatology.1

Unique Aspects

The program offers distinctive opportunities such as joint imaging seminars, focused clinics for specific conditions, and a diverse patient base, allowing fellows to engage with a variety of rheumatic conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus and spondyloarthropathies.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The University of Minnesota Rheumatology Fellowship is recognized as a highly competitive program that welcomes applications from both US MD/DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Acceptance of J-1 visas facilitates the inclusion of international applicants, supporting a diverse cohort of fellows.1

Special application requirements may include scrutiny of the year of graduation and academic performance in previous examinations, ensuring that candidates meet the rigor expected by the selection committees.

Research and Professional Development

Research is an integral part of the fellows' experience, with opportunities for collaboration and mentorship in public health, health administration, and immunology.1

Evaluation and Feedback

The program employs a multifaceted approach to evaluation, which includes regular feedback from faculty, clinic staff, and peers. Evaluation methods include competency-based assessments, 360 reviews, and exposure to national percentile rankings in examinations.1