University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Geriatric Medicine fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers an extensive, one-year training program designed for physicians who wish to specialize in geriatric medicine. The program is particularly focused on developing the skills necessary to care for the diverse and complex needs of the elderly population. Applicants to the fellowship must be board-eligible or board-certified in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine from an ACGME accredited residency program. Candidates should also have completed Step 3 of the USMLE, and, for international medical graduates, holding an ECFMG certificate is required.

Training at this fellowship program is comprehensive, with fellows completing rotations at both the University of New Mexico Health System and the Veterans Administration Hospital (VA). The curriculum is designed to strengthen clinical judgment, professional ethics, and skill development in geriatrics. Notably, the University operates a dedicated Senior Health Center, focusing on the special ambulatory care needs of older patients. The VA Hospital complements this with its ambulatory care program, home care initiatives, and rehabilitation services.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship's clinical experience is structured into one- to two-month block rotations, each providing exposure to various geriatric subspecialties. The curriculum includes:

• Audiology
• Dermatology
• Ethics
• Geropsychiatry
• HIV & the Older Patient
• Home-based primary care (with the VA)
• Hospice and palliative care (inpatient and outpatient)
• Indian Health (at Zuni Pueblo, requiring a 3-week commitment)
• Inpatient (UNM Hospital)
• Nursing home medical directorship
• Neurology
• Neuropsychology testing
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation
• Rheumatology
• Sleep disorders
• Urology
• Oncology

Fellows also have the option to select two months of electives from various subspecialties, allowing for personalized educational experiences tailored to the fellow's interests and professional goals.

Educational Experiences

The educational component of the fellowship includes attending regular teaching conferences, such as Geriatric Interest Rounds, Journal Club, and Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Additionally, each fellow is required to engage in a quality improvement project and is encouraged to present this work at national conferences, further facilitating network building and knowledge dissemination.

The program provides all necessary materials to prepare fellows for the geriatric medicine certificate of added qualifications board examination.

Training Facilities

The primary training facilities for this fellowship are the UNM Hospital and the VA Medical Center, both of which are recognized as the largest teaching hospitals in New Mexico. Such robust training platforms ensure that fellows receive exposure to a broad spectrum of cases and patient needs, enhancing practical learning opportunities.

Competitive Nature and Visa Support

The fellowship is characterized as highly competitive, welcoming a diverse array of applicants. It maintains a friendly stance toward both DO applicants and international medical graduates. Visa sponsorship is available for J-1 visas, providing necessary support for eligible international candidates seeking to undertake this advanced training.

Application Requirements

Applicants should ensure they meet specific requirements, which typically include a maximum of one failed Step exam, as well as timelines relating to their year of graduation from training programs. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Leave Policies

The fellowship program allows for 21 days of annual leave, in addition to 21 days of paid sick leave and half-day wellness days quarterly, which contribute to the overall well-being of the fellows. There are also 5 days allocated for conference attendance, promoting professional development through engagement in educational experiences.