University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

The UNC Hospitals Clinical Informatics Fellowship Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of physician leaders in clinical informatics, particularly within the Department of Family Medicine. The program provides a comprehensive and immersive training experience, integrating clinical practice with informatics to enhance healthcare delivery and patient care.

Program Overview

The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to training, incorporating the expertise of clinicians from various specialties, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health professions. Fellows gain rich operational, strategic, quality improvement, research, and informatics experiences across several healthcare settings, firmly establishing them in the rapidly evolving field of clinical informatics. Notably, UNC Health has received accolades such as HIMSS Level 7 for excellence in health information technology adoption, marking it as one of the leading institutions globally in this regard.

Fellows participate in hands-on projects where they can engage meaningfully, whether taking on small roles or leading initiatives. This learning is facilitated through numerous opportunities offered by the UNC Health Information Services Division, where fellows are embedded. They will also collaborate with departments focused on strategy, change management, innovation, and advanced analytics, enhancing their educational experience
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Curriculum and Training Activities

The fellowship's curriculum is tailored to align with each fellow’s career goals, providing mentors who guide their learning experiences. Training includes clinical practice where fellows are expected to work clinically as attending physicians in their primary specialty for 20% of their fellowship, thus ensuring they maintain a connection with patient care while exploring informatics.
6. Coursework comprises online clinical informatics education and research conduct sessions, along with weekly seminars tailored to informatics. There are also opportunities to lead informatics physician initiatives at UNC Health, gaining leadership experience in a robust healthcare setting.
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Elective choices include consumer health informatics, quality and safety, analytics, and development of clinical decision support tools, among others. Fellows are encouraged to participate in major national informatics conferences annually, widening their professional networks and research exposure.
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Research Opportunities and Resources

Fellows have access to extensive research resources, including the Carolina Data Warehouse for Health and other informatics resources at the University of North Carolina. Additionally, fellows participate in quality improvement training through the UNCs Institute for Quality Improvement, which allows them to develop competencies in areas such as Lean Six Sigma methodology.
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Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

The UNC Hospitals Clinical Informatics Fellowship Program accepts up to two fellows each year, primarily targeting physicians who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program does not sponsor any visa types for international applicants, thereby limiting participation to those eligible for practice within the U.S. Applicants must have successfully completed all USMLE examinations and must have graduate training in an ABMS specialty; board certification or eligibility in their primary specialty is also required.
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The application must include several items such as a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and three reference letters, one of which must be from the current or previous residency program director.
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Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), and the deadline for submission is generally set for October 15 of each year.
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Living and Working in Chapel Hill

Situated in the vibrant Research Triangle area, fellows can experience life in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh, which view distinctive local cultures, dining scenes, outdoor activities, and community engagements. The area is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, academic connection, and numerous recreational activities available to residents.

Welfare initiatives are prioritized within the program, including access to well-being resources and services aimed at preventing burnout.
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