University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at the McGovern Medical School, part of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, offers an extensive one-year clinical training track with a commitment to advancing the care of older adults. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and meets the board certification requirements set forth by both the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) 1.

Program Overview

The fellowship aims to enhance the skills of medical professionals already proficient in Family Practice and Internal Medicine, focusing on Geriatric Medicine. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that improves wellness and independence for older adults 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes diverse clinical training opportunities, research experiences, and doesactic learning. Fellows are encouraged to engage in quality improvement projects and clinical or basic research under the mentorship of experienced faculty members 1.

Rotations & Schedule

Fellowship rotations typically last for two weeks and encompass a variety of settings. The sample schedule includes:

• Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit
• Inpatient Geriatric Medicine Consult
• Wound Care
• Skilled Nursing Facility/Hospice
• Nursing Home
• Elder Capacity Assessment & Mistreatment (ECAM)
• Neurology (Cognitive Impairment & Movement Disorders)
• Various elective rotations

Fellows will also engage in longitudinal clinic experiences, participating in comprehensive assessments and ongoing patient care 9.

Training Sites

The fellowship offers varied training sites including:

• Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
• Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
• Harris County Psychiatric Center
• Settegast Community Health Center
• Center for Healthy Aging

Each site is equipped with specialized services aimed at providing comprehensive care for older adults 10.

Learning Opportunities

Fellows benefit from numerous educational resources, including:

• Weekly webinars tackling high-yield topics in Geriatric Medicine.
• Journal Clubs that encourage scholarly discussion of clinical literature.
• Case presentations and monthly workshops designed to refine clinical reasoning and improve patient care practices.

Additionally, the program sponsors optional enrichment activities such as a Physician Educator Certificate Program and multiple conferences on Geriatric Medicine topics 8.

Competitive Application Process

The fellowship is competitive and primarily considers applicants who have completed three years of ACGME-accredited residency training. Eligible specialties include Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. Applicants must also pass USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, 2, and 3 by the program's start date 7.

Visa Support

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UTHealth only accepts applications from candidates holding a J1 visa. H1B visas are not supported through this program 6.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to standard application procedures via ERAS, applicants are required to submit a personal statement, CV, Medical Student Performance Evaluation, medical school transcript, three letters of recommendation including a Program Director's letter, and proof of USMLE or COMLEX scores. International Medical Graduates must present ECFMG certification and translated documents 7.

Life in Houston

Houston presents a vibrant and diverse environment for residents and fellows. The city is recognized not only for its academic and medical facilities but also for its array of cultural, culinary, and recreational opportunities. The lower cost of living relative to other metropolitan areas makes Houston an attractive place to live and work 11.