University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles General Medical Center offers advanced training for physicians interested in the specialized field of geriatric medicine. Located within an iconic healthcare region, this fellowship is designed to prepare physicians for comprehensive care tailored to older adults, focusing on their unique health needs and complexities.

Program Overview

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program, typically lasting for one year. Under the leadership of distinguished faculty, fellows receive in-depth training aimed at enhancing their diagnostic, management, and leadership skills in geriatric care. Training occurs in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based environments, allowing fellows to understand the multifaceted contexts in which older adults receive care.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive experience in geriatric medicine, emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to patient care. Key components include:

• Clinical Rotations: Fellows participate in various clinical rotations that include geriatrics, palliative care, rehabilitation, and geriatric psychiatry, allowing exposure to a wide array of conditions and treatments.
• Didactic Sessions: Regular lectures, seminars, and workshops are held to enhance learning on geriatric syndromes, chronic disease management, pharmacology, and geriatric assessment.
• Research Opportunities: The program encourages fellows to engage in research projects that contribute to the field of geriatrics. Mentorship is provided to facilitate the completion of these projects, which may result in presentations at conferences or publications in scholarly journals.
• Patient Care: Fellows take part in direct patient care through clinics dedicated to the elderly, along with home visits and community outreach programs aimed at promoting health and quality of life among older adults.

Training Sites

The fellowship utilizes multiple training sites, including:

• Los Angeles General Medical Center: Renowned as a safety-net hospital, it provides critical care for diverse populations and offers extensive geriatric services.
• Keck Hospital of USC: This tertiary care center allows fellows to gain experience with complex geriatric cases, including acute management of chronic conditions and surgical interventions.
• Community Partner Facilities: Fellows also work with community organizations that address the specific needs of older adults, gaining insight into varied healthcare delivery models.

Research and Innovation

The program emphasizes research within geriatric medicine, encouraging fellows to critically examine care models and implement innovative practices. This aspect is crucial for developing practices that address the evolving needs of an aging population. Fellows can choose to focus on quality improvement initiatives or investigational projects that improve patient care and outcomes.

Visa Support

The program welcomes international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas. This enables qualified candidates worldwide to apply and participate in the fellowship, fostering a diverse learning environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is considered competitive, especially for candidates with robust clinical experience in internal medicine and an expressed commitment to geriatrics. Typical requirements include:

• Completion of an accredited Internal Medicine residency.
• USMLE scores that meet the program’s criteria.
• Strong letters of recommendation, including one from a geriatrician.
• A personal statement outlining the candidate's interest in geriatrics and goals for fellowship training.

Resident Life and Community

Fellows are part of a vibrant academic community with ample opportunities for professional development, including access to various seminars, workshops, and social events that build camaraderie. The program promotes a supportive environment, facilitating both personal and professional growth.