University of Wyoming (Casper) Program

The University of Wyoming Geriatric Fellowship Program, part of the Family Medicine Residency at Casper, is designed to train specialists in the care of older adults. This ACGME-accredited program focuses on building leaders in geriatrics, particularly in rural settings. It is a 12-month fellowship that prepares specialists for Board Certification in Geriatrics through both the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Applicants must have completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine at an ACGME-accredited program in the U.S. Additionally, international medical graduates are required to hold a standard ECFMG certificate. The program has a single fellowship position available each year and applicants must fulfill several documentation requirements, including an ERAS application, CV, personal statement, medical transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, three letters of recommendation, and certificates of completion from previous residencies.

The curriculum is comprehensive and aims to deliver specialized medical training tailored to the needs of older adults. The fellowship consists of multiple rotations that allow fellows to gain expertise across various medical disciplines, including but not limited to geriatric psychiatry, orthopedic care, palliative care, and wound management. Each fellow will engage in longitudinal experiences that encompass clinic visits, home visits, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

Notable rotations within the curriculum include:

• Outpatient Procedures: Focuses on procedures beneficial to older adults, such as anticoagulation management and joint injections.
• Palliative Care: Hands-on experience within an inpatient palliative care team to assist elderly patients with end-of-life issues.
• Geriatric Psychiatry: Includes rotation with a geriatric psychiatrist to learn treatment for psychiatric conditions affecting the elderly.
• Senior Wellness: Emphasizes the promotion of active lifestyles aimed at the elderly community.
• Elective Opportunities: Tailorable experiences allowing fellows to explore individual interests during their training.

The program provides support for visa applications, with specific attention to the requirements for international medical graduates. They prominently mention the ability to assist foreign graduates through the necessary ECFMG certification process. This supportive approach ensures that qualified international students have the opportunity to apply for the fellowship.

While the program is competitive, it is noted to be friendly towards Osteopathic (DO) candidates as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The acceptance of applicants from diverse medical backgrounds contributes to a well-rounded cohort of fellows.

The application process involves a thorough review by the program director and faculty. Interviews are typically conducted in August and September, with a submission deadline set for September 30th. Virtual interviews are standard practice, although potential in-person visits are encouraged.

The base salary for fellows in the program is $69,744 for the 2024-2025 period. In addition to the competitive salary, the institution contributes a significant percentage to retirement plans, offering benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Fellows are also entitled to 15 days of vacation and 6 days of sick leave each year.

A distinguishing feature of the University of Wyoming Geriatric Fellowship is its commitment to personalized training. Each fellow's rotation schedule can be adapted to align better with their individual career goals in medicine. This flexibility, combined with a robust educational framework that integrates direct mentorship, didactic sessions, and collaborative experiences, positions the fellows for successful board certification.