Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Overview of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship training program offered at VCU Medical Center and the Central Virginia VA Health Care System is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The primary goals of the Fellowship Training Program are to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for older patients effectively, prepare them for certification in Geriatric Medicine, and provide training in teaching, research, and administration. This one-year fellowship encompasses a robust curriculum aimed at delivering comprehensive individualized training.

Curriculum Components

The fellowship program includes several key components to achieve its educational objectives:

• Geriatrics Curriculum: The program features various educational conferences and reading assignments designed to aid fellows in their studies.
• Clinical Experience: Fellows manage a diverse patient population across multiple settings, including outpatient, inpatient, long-term care, and home care. This hands-on experience is vital for developing competencies as both primary care providers and consultants.
• Research Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research, choosing projects of interest and receiving guidance from faculty preceptors to foment their academic growth.
• Teaching Experience: The program provides fellows with opportunities to teach learners across different educational levels and backgrounds.
• Administrative Skills: Fellows learn the administrative necessities for conducting research, curriculum development, and long-term care based on personal interest areas.

This traditional fellowship involves approximately 12 months of clinical rotations, allowing fellows to become board-eligible for the geriatric medicine board exam.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship features diverse clinical rotations across various venues, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of geriatric care:

• Primary Care and Geriatric Evaluation (VA)
• Community Living Center (VA)
• Palliative Care/Hospice (VA)
• Rheumatology (VA)
• Geriatric Psychiatry (VA or VCU)
• Neurology/Parkinson’s Disease Research and Education Center (VA)
• Bone Clinic (VA)
• Rehabilitation Medicine (VCU & VA)
• Home-Based Primary Care (VCU & VA)
• Nursing Facility Attending Service (VCU)
• Geriatrics Inpatient Medicine Consult Service (VCU)
• Longitudinal Ambulatory Care Clinic (VCU)
• Center for Advanced Health Management (CAHM)
• Primary Care Clinic (VCU)

Such a variety of practice settings allows fellows to see a broad spectrum of geriatric conditions and the diverse needs of older adults.

Unique Learning Opportunities

The VCU Geriatrics program offers several unique learning opportunities:

• Reynolds Grants: Initiatives from the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs were completed, leading to the integration of essential educational initiatives into the longitudinal geriatric curriculum for medical students.
• Geriatric Education Center: A statewide collaboration established in 2010, enhancing geriatric education across Virginia.
• Independence at Home: Participation in a consortium aimed at delivering comprehensive care services in home settings.
• Virginia Geriatrics Society: Faculty and staff contribute significantly to the annual conference for the Virginia Geriatrics Society, shaping the future of geriatric education and practice in the state.
• Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program: The program received a grant in 2015 and a continuation in 2019, ensuring sustained funding until 2024.
• CMD-Mentored Geriatric Fellowship Experience: Opportunities exist for fellows to receive mentorship focused on fast-tracking certification as medical directors in post-acute or long-term care settings.

These unique opportunities are crafted to enrich the fellows' educational landscape significantly.

Research and Scholarly Activities

All fellows are expected to engage actively in scholarly activities, which may encompass basic, translational, clinical, and health outcomes research. Support from the Graduate Medical Education research program is provided at the start of the academic year. The department also allocates funding to alleviate costs associated with presenting their research at various scientific meetings.

Life During Fellowship

The fellowship promotes a balanced professional and personal life for trainees:

• Vacation Time: Each fellow is entitled to three weeks of leave annually.
• Nighttime Coverage: Fellows do not have in-house overnight coverage, but home call is an average of four nights a month.
• Weekend Coverage: Fellows receive one day off every seven days, averaged over four weeks, while on the inpatient consult service.

Moreover, VCU is committed to the well-being of its fellows, offering extensive resources aimed at supporting mental health and resilience.

Application and Visa Sponsorship

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is a participant in the NRMP match and accepts applications exclusively through ERAS. Applicants who are graduates from ACGME-accredited internal medicine or family medicine training programs are eligible, and the program specifically supports J-1 visa sponsorship.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

This fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a range of applicants, including DO and IMG candidates who are encouraged to apply. Common selection criteria may include the date of graduation, performance on board exams, and overall professional experiences in the medical field.