University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine Program
Location:
Reno, NVSpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1513131158Geriatric Fellowship Program Overview
The Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is a one-year ACGME-accredited clinical program tailored for graduates of internal medicine or family medicine residency programs. The program offers training positions without in-house call duties, making it an appealing option for those seeking a structured learning environment. Certification in Geriatric Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine serves as a sub-specialty, with prerequisites including board eligibility/certification in either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Salary compensation aligns with the PGY 4 level, inclusive of opportunities for moonlighting with prior approval. Standard working hours run approximately from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, with phone coverage available from 7 AM to 7 PM during the same days.1
Educational Goals
The fellowship curriculum encompasses a blend of rotations and longitudinal experiences. Fellows provide geriatric care for outpatients and manage a panel of patients at the VA Community Living Center, focusing on interdisciplinary team care planning for complex chronic conditions. Rotations include various specialties such as Inpatient Rehabilitation, Neurology, Psychiatry, Palliative Consults, and Community Geriatrics, among others. Educational experiences are further enhanced through weekly didactic conferences conducted in collaboration with the Palo Alto VA GRECC, alongside regular journal clubs and board reviews.1
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Fellows collaborate with a range of health professionals including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychologists, and dietitians to develop care plans. The curriculum accommodates diverse learning styles through live presentations, webcasts, and online educational sessions. Mentoring is prioritized, providing fellows the opportunity to gain both clinical and academic proficiency. Participation in research projects aimed at enhancing elder care quality is also central to the program ethos.1
Clinical Experiences
The fellowship provides comprehensive training across a variety of settings, including the Ioannis Lougaris VA Medical Center, Renown Hospital, and the Sanford Center for Aging. Clinical training meets all ACGME accreditation guidelines while emphasizing topics like inpatient rehabilitation, home care, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary team skills. Rotational options span various specialties, affording fellows an expansive scope of geriatric-related healthcare knowledge.2
Educational Responsibilities
The fellowship's structure assigns responsibility for both longitudinal and rotational patient care. Fellows manage continuity care for long-stay nursing facility patients, outpatient geriatric primary care, and home-based care among other clinical experiences. Weekly didactics, including GRECC lectures, facilitate knowledge growth and collaborative learning. Scholarly activities expected of fellows include participation in journal clubs, quality improvement projects, and presentations at conferences.3
Research Opportunities
Research in Geriatrics and Gerontology aims to ensure that older adults receive high-quality, patient-centered care through the development and dissemination of new knowledge. The program actively fosters interdisciplinary research efforts, offering fellows the chance to engage in projects across various domains, including clinical and health services research focused on elderly populations.3
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides several key benefits, which include professional society membership, core educational resources, and attendance at professional conferences when presenting scholarly work. Fellows receive paid time off, with 15 days designated for annual leave and sick leave, alongside 5 days for educational purposes. Notably, fellows in this program do not have mandatory call duties, which aids in maintaining a balanced work-life environment.4
Application Process
The application cycle for the fellowship begins in mid-July with interviews conducted Fridays from 9 AM to 3 PM, from August through October. The program is highly competitive, and applicants must adhere to specific criteria, including a maximum number of failed Step exams. The location in Reno, Nevada, is highlighted as an enriching community for life and study, combining educational advancement with recreational opportunities.4
Website
Director
Helena Russell, MDHome Based Primary Care Medical Director Appointed Since December 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,153First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Reno, NV
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Reno, NV
- Crime Rate and Safety: Reno has a moderate crime rate, but overall it is considered a safe city. Like any urban area, it's advisable to be cautious in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Reno offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports due to its proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. It also has a vibrant nightlife with casinos, restaurants, and events.
- Climate: Reno has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents can enjoy all four seasons throughout the year.
- Races and Population: Reno is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is around 250,000.
- Education: Reno is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, which offers various educational opportunities. There are also good public and private schools in the area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Reno is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Reno is about a 3.5-hour drive from Sacramento, California, and a 7-hour drive from San Francisco. These cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, vibrant nightlife, diverse population.
- Cons: Moderate crime rate, hot summers, cold winters.
Interview Questions
