University of Virginia Medical Center Program

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center is designed to provide specialized training in sleep medicine, combining clinical and educational experiences for fellows over a 12-month period. This program has recently received ACGME accreditation, with its inaugural cohort scheduled to begin in July 2025. The fellowship intention is to cultivate comprehensive experts in the field of sleep medicine who are well-prepared for board certification.

Faculty involvement is extensive, with specialists from various departments, which enhances the learning environment and enables a multidisciplinary approach to sleep medicine. The core values of the program include promoting a supportive learning atmosphere, excellence in patient care, and professional development opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to include a variety of rotations, hands-on clinical experiences, and didactic sessions. The program initiates with a Summer Sleep Boot Camp, aimed at preparing fellows for the challenges ahead by providing foundational knowledge of sleep disorders.

Fellows engage in a continuity clinic throughout their training, providing them with regular, longitudinal exposure to clinical practice, which enhances their skills as primary sleep physicians under faculty supervision.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship consists of several core rotations which offer diverse experiences:

• Comprehensive Sleep Outpatient Program (CSOP): Fellows spend a significant portion of their week in multidisciplinary sleep clinics, allowing them to interact with various faculty from pulmonary, neurology, and pediatric sleep specialties.
• Pediatric Sleep Medicine: This rotation emphasizes gaining specialized knowledge in pediatric sleep disorders, offering unique insights into child-focused sleep medicine practice.
• Inpatient Sleep Medicine: Fellows work closely with faculty to assess hospitalized patients for sleep-disordered breathing and other related disorders, integrating clinical and procedural knowledge.
• Neuropsych Sleep Medicine: This rotation provides valuable exposure to the interplay between sleep disorders and neurology/behavioural medicine conditions.
• Elective Rotations: Each fellow is allotted time for elective blocks that can be customized to align with their academic and clinical interests.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the program emphasizes the importance of research in sleep medicine. Academic activities are woven into the curriculum, including participation in research conferences and opportunities for fellows to engage in scholarly activities, thereby enhancing their understanding of current findings and developments in sleep science.

Teaching and Didactic Programs

The fellowship includes an extensive didactic component, encompassing multidisciplinary journal clubs, clinical case conferences, and workshops focused on quality improvement and research methodologies. These programs are designed to reinforce clinical skills while offering insight into the latest developments in sleep medicine.

Fellow Wellness and Support

The program prioritizes fellow wellness and supports this through various resources. These include access to well-being programs and assistance for both fellows and faculty, recognizing that a sustainable work-life balance is essential for effective training and patient care.

Application Process

Applications to the fellowship are accepted via the ERAS system. Applicants must have completed an accredited residency program in one of the following specialties: anesthesiology, child neurology, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, otolaryngology, pediatrics, or psychiatry. The application requires several documents, including a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Interviews are conducted online, reflecting the program's commitment to accessibility.

Competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to pursuing sleep medicine. There are no stringent limits regarding failed exams as long as the overall application is robust.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J1 visas for international medical graduates, thereby being accessible to international applicants who meet the necessary qualifications.

Competitiveness

As a newly established program intending to build on a strong foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration, the fellowship aims to be welcoming to diverse candidates, including domestic and international applicants. It is designed to foster an inclusive environment conducive to learning and professional growth.