University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine Program

Geriatric 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