University of Pennsylvania Health System Program
Location:
Philadelphia, PASpecialty:
RheumatologyACGME Code:
1504121015The University of Pennsylvania Health System offers a rigorous Rheumatology Fellowship Program aimed at developing skilled, compassionate physicians dedicated to enhancing patient care and advancing knowledge in rheumatic diseases. With a rich history of over a century in education, research, and clinical practice, the program focuses on training fellows through patient-centered approaches, innovative educational methods, and significant research opportunities.
Curriculum Overview
Fellows gain extensive clinical exposure to a diverse patient population suffering from both common and rare rheumatic conditions. Key components of the fellowship curriculum include:- Weekly case-management conferences for collaborative learning.
- A journal club facilitated by faculty, which emphasizes epidemiological expertise.
- Regular mortality and morbidity conferences to analyze clinical outcomes.
- Rheumatology Grand Rounds presenting insights from internal and external experts.
- Joint conferences with related specialties such as Dermatology, Pediatric Rheumatology, and Pulmonary, enriching the fellows' interdisciplinary learning.
- An immunology lecture series led by basic science and immunology experts.
- Didactic lectures covering essential clinical and pathophysiological topics relevant to rheumatology.
Clinical Rotations
During the fellowship, fellows will participate in several clinical rotations, starting with a first-year structure that includes:- Inpatient Consultation Service at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: Fellows spend approximately 16 weeks managing consults and learning directly from complex cases.
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center: Integrating a diverse array of rheumatic patients into outpatient and inpatient settings for roughly 10 weeks.
- Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: About 10 weeks of patient care in both outpatient and inpatient services.
- Ambulatory Service: Providing care at various clinics, allowing fellows to understand the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases.
The second year of training is tailored to the individual fellow's career objectives, promoting research interests or intensive outpatient experiences.
4Research and Scholarly Activities
Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with opportunities for engagement in numerous scholarly pursuits. Fellows will partake in mentored projects and can involve themselves in tailored training programs, including:- Master’s programs in Clinical Epidemiology, Health Policy Research, and Translational Research.
- Clinical Research Certificate Program to bolster research competencies.
- Engagement with various training programs focused on quality improvement, medical education, and advanced clinical training.
Most fellows pursuing a research trajectory complete a third year of fellowship dedicated to their research endeavors.
6Mentorship Structure
Throughout their training, fellows are provided with robust mentoring. Upon entering the fellowship, each fellow is assigned a faculty advisor to support their professional development, set training goals, and navigate career options within the field of rheumatology.3Diversity and Inclusion
The fellowship program prides itself on fostering a welcoming environment, recognizing the importance of diversity among its fellows and faculty. This diversity enhances the learning experience and supports a collaborative atmosphere essential for medical education and patient care.1Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program is friendly towards a range of applicants, including both US and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The University of Pennsylvania provides visa sponsorship options, enabling eligible fellows to obtain J-1 and H-1B visas.5Application Requirements
The application process for the fellowship is competitive. Candidates are advised to review specific eligibility criteria, which may include considerations related to graduation year and performance on standardized examinations.6Lifestyle in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers a vibrant backdrop for fellows, combining excellent dining options, an engaging sports culture, and numerous museums and parks. The city is known for being walkable, and public transportation facilitates easy access to hospital sites and surrounding attractions.7Website
Director
Michael D George, MD, MSCEProgram Director, Rheumatology Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
5, 5 (2 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 1987
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,926First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Philadelphia, PA
Population
1,603,797
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
35
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Philadelphia, PA:
Philadelphia, PA is a vibrant city with a rich historical background and a diverse cultural scene. Here are some aspects to consider when living in Philadelphia for your medical residency program:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Philadelphia has some high-crime neighborhoods, so it's essential to be aware of your surroundings. However, the city has been improving its safety measures in recent years.
- Fun Activities: Philadelphia offers a wide range of activities, from visiting historical sites like Independence Hall to enjoying the arts and culture in museums and theaters.
- Climate: Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snowfall during the winter months.
- Races and Population: Philadelphia is a diverse city with a mix of racial and ethnic groups, making it a welcoming and inclusive place to live.
- Education: Philadelphia is home to several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continued education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Philadelphia is moderate compared to other major cities on the East Coast. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Philadelphia is within driving distance to cities like New York City (around 2 hours) and Washington, D.C. (around 2.5 hours), making it easy to explore other urban centers.
- Pros: Rich history, diverse culture, strong healthcare institutions, vibrant arts scene.
- Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, winters can be cold and snowy.
Interview Questions
