University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Pennsylvania Health System is a comprehensive training opportunity aimed at equipping physicians with the skills necessary to care for older adults effectively. This program fosters not only clinical competence but also emphasizes the importance of compassionate care tailored to the individual needs of the elderly. The program is centered around a mission of enhancing the quality of care for older adults through leadership and innovation in research and education, which aligns with the values of empathy and understanding essential in geriatrics 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the fellowship is multifaceted, focusing on both clinical rotation experiences and didactic learning. The fellows participate in a 1-year fellowship structured around a "6+2" rotation schedule. This involves a combination of six-week clinical block rotations followed by two-week ambulatory specialty and elective blocks. Such a design ensures that fellows gain ample clinical exposure while being able to focus on specific clinical interests in geriatrics 4.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through various clinical settings including:

• Ralston-Penn Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic
• Penn Presbyterian Hospital
• Philadelphia CMC-VA Medical Center
• Penn Presbyterian Skilled Nursing Facility
• Community and faculty-affiliated nursing homes

In these settings, fellows are exposed to a bustling clinical environment that enables them to engage with patients facing complex health issues, including multimorbidity and dementia 4.

Didactic Training

The didactics are integral to the fellowship and cover essential geriatric principles through various tailored courses and conferences. Didactic sessions typically occur on Fridays and involve an extensive curriculum designed to cover core geriatric topics, leadership, professionalism, wellness, and board review preparation 3.

Mentorship

A unique aspect of this fellowship is the mentorship program. Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor that matches their clinical and research interests. The mentoring relationship is structured to support fellows in adjusting to the program, managing clinical responsibilities, and navigating career paths in the field of geriatrics 6.

Research and Quality Improvement

Research opportunities abound within the fellowship, as each cohort collaborates on a quality improvement (QI) project. This project not only allows fellows to apply their learning in real-world scenarios but also contributes to the ongoing improvement of care delivery systems for elderly patients. They are supported by faculty dedicated to fostering a robust research culture within the division 8.

Competitiveness and Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship has a competitive application process, with typically four positions available annually. Prospective applicants must have completed three years of a U.S.-based internal medicine or family medicine residency and hold either MD or DO degrees. The program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding a J-1 visa 2.

Visa Support

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, allowing for their participation in the program as fellows, which promotes diversity and rich experiences among the cohort 2.

Application Process

Applicants must submit required documents through the ERAS application system by the end of September. The application should include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, medical school transcripts, USMLE/COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation (at least one from a residency program director). Interviews are typically conducted virtually starting in August 2.

Locations of Training Sites

Training occurs in multiple diverse settings across the University of Pennsylvania health system, allowing fellows to experience different models of care and to hone their clinical skills in varied environments. The program’s facilities include community-faculty affiliated nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and acute care settings, enabling a well-rounded educational experience 4.

Fellow Experiences

Past fellows in the program have engaged in various clinical and research roles, continually contributing to notable advancements in geriatric care. Through dedication and a solid foundation of training offered, many fellows have transitioned into successful careers as geriatricians in diverse settings 7.