Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program
Location:
Nashville, TNSpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1514721125The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program in Geriatric Medicine is designed to prepare physicians for leadership roles in age-friendly healthcare by emphasizing education and diverse clinical experiences. The program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for older adults through comprehensive training, innovative research, and collaborative clinical practice.
Program Overview
The Geriatric Medicine program at Vanderbilt focuses on promoting healthy aging through outstanding patient care, education, and research 1. It aims to reinvent the approach to caring for older adults, stressing the importance of training healthcare professionals to address the unique healthcare needs associated with aging.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to provide in-depth training in geriatric medicine, with a commitment to fostering a holistic understanding of patient care 8. The program incorporates various teaching modalities, including lectures, workshops, and direct patient care experiences. The Educational tracks offered aim at developing competency in areas such as:
- Clinical Geriatric Medicine
- VA Special Fellowship in Advanced Geriatrics
- VA Quality Scholars Track
- Aging Research Fellowship
These tracks provide a combination of clinical, research, and policy-making experiences tailored to meet the individual aspirations and needs of the fellows.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows rotate through diverse clinical settings, including:
- Vanderbilt University Hospital's Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) Unit
- Inpatient geriatrics consult service
- Vanderbilt-affiliated nursing homes
- VA and Vanderbilt outpatient geriatric primary and consultative care
- Sub-specialty opportunities
This robust clinical exposure ensures fellows develop the necessary skills to manage the complexities of geriatric care effectively.
Research Opportunities
The program is committed to research, with significant funding and a dedicated approach to advancing knowledge in geriatric medicine 11. Notable research initiatives include:
- Center for Quality Aging
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
- Middle Tennessee Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, allowing them to contribute to innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in elder care.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinguishing features of the Vanderbilt Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is its July Bootcamp—a comprehensive orientation designed to establish a solid foundation in geriatric principles through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration 9. Furthermore, the program utilizes innovative curricula, such as the Flipping the Acute Care for Elders Teaching Sessions (FACETS), which emphasize peer teaching and collaborative learning.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Division of Geriatric Medicine is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within its ranks. The program actively engages in discussions surrounding diversity in healthcare and implements initiatives aimed at enhancing representation across all training levels 4.
Visa Support
The program supports visa applications for eligible international medical graduates. It is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas on a case-by-case basis, accommodating non-U.S. citizens who meet the necessary academic and professional requirements for admission 10.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Vanderbilt Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, and Mtudents are encouraged to demonstrate excellence in their academic records, including competitive scores on USMLE or COMLEX exams 8. The application process requires:
- ERAS application
- Personal statement
- Medical school transcript
- USMLE or COMLEX scores
- Three letters of recommendation
All application materials should be submitted through the appropriate channels with adherence to the selection criteria established by the program.
Website
Director
Mariu Duggan, MD, MPHAttending/Director, Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program Appointed Since February 2019Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$77,610First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Nashville, TN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Nashville, TN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Nashville has a moderate crime rate, with some areas experiencing higher crime than others. It is important to stay informed about the safety of different neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and events throughout the city. There are also parks, museums, and a variety of dining options to explore.
- Climate: Nashville experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times of the year.
- Races and Population: Nashville is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. The population is growing steadily due to its popularity as a place to live and work.
- Education: Nashville is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nashville is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the US, but housing costs have been increasing in recent years.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Memphis (about 3 hours drive) and Atlanta (about 4 hours drive) are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville. Each city offers its own unique attractions and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Rich music and cultural scene, diverse population, moderate cost of living compared to other big cities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, housing costs are rising, traffic can be congested during peak times.
Interview Questions
