University of South Florida Morsani Program

The Rheumatology fellowship training program at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine is a comprehensive two-year program designed to equip fellows with the skills required for both clinical practice and academia in rheumatology. This program emphasizes physician wellness while ensuring high-quality patient care.

The training occurs across four ambulatory sites: USF's Morsani Center, South Tampa Center (STC), James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (JAHVH), and Health Park Clinic. Inpatient training is provided at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and JAHVH. Each site contributes unique experiences for diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of rheumatologic diseases across diverse clinical and socioeconomic backgrounds

Didactic learning comprises weekly conferences, including core lectures, case discussions, grand rounds, and journal clubs. Additional opportunities for practical training in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasonography and clinical densitometry are also available, with ample access to ultrasound machines across the program's clinical sites.

Clinical Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide hands-on experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. In the first year, fellows participate in half-day clinics at the USF Morsani Center, VA hospital clinics, and Health Park Clinic, alongside their inpatient consult service responsibilities at TGH and JAHVH. This structure allows fellows to balance clinical time with research and independent study modules.

During the second year, the fellows continue this balanced approach, further building on their clinical skills and deepening their knowledge in rheumatology.

Didactics

The didactic component of the Rheumatology fellowship includes a diverse range of learning activities. Weekly rheumatology conferences feature discussions on journal articles, core curriculum topics, and patient safety. Workshops are also conducted to enhance specialized skills, such as MSK examination techniques and joint injections. This structured approach allows fellows to develop their presentation skills and engage in teaching opportunities, enhancing their educational foundation in rheumatology.

Training Sites

The fellowship conducts rotations at notable training sites which are integral to the educational experience:

• Tampa General Hospital (TGH): A 1101-bed teaching hospital where fellows see a broad breadth of rheumatologic disorders and maintain continuity of care for these patients after hospital discharge.
• James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (JAHVH): A tertiary care facility where fellows gain essential experience in managing diverse and complex cases, complemented by outpatient follow-ups.
• USF Health Clinics (Morsani and STC): These clinics serve as continuity sites for outpatient rheumatology practice, providing a representative patient distribution for fellows.
• Health Park Clinic: This site allows fellows to manage patients with financial barriers, enhancing their understanding of the socioeconomic challenges patients may face.

Fellowship Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be graduates from an LCME or AOA accredited North American medical school or hold full ECFMG certification. International medical graduates must have successfully received a J-1 visa. Additionally, candidates must have current ACLS and/or PALS certification and either hold a Florida medical license or a physician-in-training status upon starting the fellowship. All requirements must be fulfilled by July 1 of the fellowship start year.

Support for International Medical Graduates

The program actively supports international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides necessary visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visa holders. This dedication ensures a diverse participant pool, contributing to a rich educational experience for all.

Wellness Support

USF Morsani Health emphasizes the importance of wellness for all fellows, with a structured support system in place. This includes an open-door policy for discussing concerns within the fellowship team, access to professional counseling through the Resident Assistance Program, and various wellness resources geared toward maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health during their training.

Competitiveness

The USF Rheumatology fellowship is highly competitive, requiring applicants to fulfill specific academic and professional milestones. However, the program is recognized for being inclusive of international medical graduates, offering them a chance to gain valuable training in a dynamic environment.