University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Clinical Informatics Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a two-year, full-time training program accredited by ACGME. This fellowship is designed to prepare clinicians for the responsibilities of deploying and managing health information technologies, including electronic health records. Specifically, completion of the fellowship qualifies participants to sit for the clinical informatics board certification exam. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides fellows with opportunities to engage in mentored projects that foster their interests and professional growth 1.

The fellowship curriculum is multidisciplinary, integrating a web-based clinical informatics education through Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). This innovative approach enables fellows to develop competencies in three critical areas: information retrieval and analysis, leadership and project management, and IT implementation. Such a comprehensive curriculum equips fellows with the necessary skills to navigate and lead in an evolving health IT landscape 1.

Notably, applicants to the Clinical Informatics Fellowship are required to be board eligible or board certified in any clinical medical specialty, although there is no requirement for candidates to have an internal medicine background or prior experience in computer science or engineering. This inclusivity enhances the diversity of the fellowship cohort, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and insights from various professional backgrounds 1.

Fellowship Structure and Mentorship

Fellows engage in structured mentored projects which are aligned with their roles and personal interests. These projects provide practical experience and the opportunity for contribution to the field of clinical informatics through presentations and publications. Additionally, fellows participate in a local clinical informatics lecture series at UNM, further enriching their learning experience and professional network 1.

Cost and Salary Structure

Compensation for fellows is on par with other clinical fellowship programs (such as cardiology and endocrinology), with salary determined by the year of the program (PGY-4, PGY-5, etc.). This competitive compensation model helps to attract top candidates and ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their training without financial concerns 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program provides visa support for international applicants. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to the needs of international medical graduates seeking advanced training in the United States. This ability to support visa applications broadens access to the fellowship for qualified candidates around the globe 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The competitiveness of this fellowship program is moderate to high, as it tends to be selective, attracting qualified applicants from various medical specialties. Specific application requirements include being board eligible or board certified; however, there are no listed restrictions regarding the number of failed STEP exams or maximum years since graduation from medical school. This flexibility can be advantageous for many potential applicants 1.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship is led by a distinguished faculty known for their expertise in clinical informatics and health IT. The program director, alongside an associate program director and core faculty members with diverse backgrounds, provide valuable mentorship and guidance. Fellows benefit from rich learning experiences tailored to their individual career aspirations and professional interests 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research initiatives that align with the goals of the program. Through mentorship, fellows can lead projects aimed at enhancing clinical informatics applications and contribute to advancements in health information technology. The emphasis on research, publication, and presenting findings both within the institution and at national levels prepares fellows for future leadership roles in their careers 1.

Living in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, known for its rich culture and striking landscapes, provides a vibrant backdrop for fellowship training. The city boasts a thriving healthcare community and offers numerous recreational activities and cultural experiences that contribute to an excellent quality of life for fellows and their families 1.