University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

Training at the University of Wisconsin Geriatric Medicine Clinical Fellowship program provides a comprehensive education in geriatrics designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to manage older adult patients across a range of settings. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration with interprofessional teams that enhance care delivery, thereby preparing fellows for successful careers in geriatrics.

Program Overview

The Geriatric Medicine Clinical Fellowship is crafted to deliver a thorough foundation in core geriatrics principles. Fellows are encouraged to explore personal interests in geriatrics through exposure to diverse experiences ranging from acute care settings to home visits. The program emphasizes holistic, person-centered care targeted at complex medical conditions seen in older populations.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers a robust framework that integrates core didactic experiences with extensive clinical training. Key components include:

• Didactic Experiences: Led by interprofessional leaders in geriatrics, these sessions include a Geriatric Medicine Core Lecture Series and a Geropsychiatry Colloquium, which facilitates case-based discussions on mental health among older adults.
• Clinical Rotations: Fellows rotate through various subspecialty clinics and engage with an interprofessional geriatrics consultation service, allowing for customized training based on individual career goals.
• Scholarly Activity: The program promotes research partnerships with renowned institutions, including the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, for fellows interested in pursuing research during their training.

Fellows also partake in national conferences, such as the Most Difficult Case Conference, which allows them to engage with peers from around the country and present case studies of complex patient scenarios.

Mentorship and Support

The program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, pairing fellows with faculty mentors who provide guidance throughout the fellowship process. Regular meetings with mentors support not only clinical skills development but also career planning and professional growth, ensuring fellows build a valuable network within the field.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research, supported by the Division's established programs. The University of Wisconsin offers advanced fellowships, including T32 research fellowships, which allow for deeper exploration into aging research and provide critical funding for scholarly activities.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Geriatric Medicine Clinical Fellowship is considered highly competitive, accepting applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with three letters of recommendation, including one from a residency director, and transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance.

Specific visa support is available for international medical graduates, and the program primarily sponsors applicants with a J-1 visa. The application process includes holistic reviews that assess candidates based on equity and merit, ensuring that biases of all kinds have minimal influence.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Among distinctive features, fellows benefit from:

• A strong mentorship network that fosters career growth in geriatrics.
• Access to cutting-edge research and involvement with innovative clinical programs.
• Interdisciplinary team dynamics that provide a comprehensive approach to geriatric care.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program and its training environment.

The Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology has also established partnerships with the Madison VA Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), allowing fellows to benefit from collaborative training and research efforts aimed at improving care for veterans.

Living in Madison

Fellows are immersed in an environment that is not only academically rich but also vibrant with cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and community engagement. Madison, with its quality of life and supportive academic community, is an ideal location for fellowship training.