Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a one-year program that focuses on the clinical evaluation and management of a variety of sleep disorders across all age groups. This fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and allows fellows to become proficient in essential diagnostic tools, including polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, maintenance of wakefulness tests, and portable sleep studies. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows are eligible to take the certification examination in sleep medicine.

The comprehensive training provided by the fellowship encompasses diverse clinical environments, including hands-on experiences at the esteemed sleep center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This center features eight adult sleep beds and plans for additional pediatric beds, highlighting the program's commitment to widespread clinical exposure. Moreover, fellows have the opportunity to participate in research projects alongside seasoned sleep faculty, nurturing academic curiosity and scholarly advancement.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in sleep medicine. Fellows engage in both ambulatory and inpatient settings, working closely with neurology and pulmonary attendings as well as pediatric specialists. Each fellow will maintain continuity sleep clinics and is required to achieve proficiency in the scoring and interpretation of sleep studies, with a target of interpreting around 2,000 studies throughout their fellowship. The program includes a one-month elective option that can encompass various fields such as EEG or research.

Clinical Rotations and Research Opportunities

The program follows a structured approach to clinical rotations, ensuring that each fellow receives eleven months of direct experience in sleep medicine. This involves clinical exposure in sleep clinics, where fellows work alongside adult neurology and pulmonary sleep physicians, as well as pediatric psychiatric specialists. Additionally, the fellowship promotes inter-disciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to gain experience with various specialties, including otolaryngology, dentistry, and neuropsychology in the context of sleep disorders management.

Importantly, the fellowship offers significant research opportunities. Each fellow collaborates with a dedicated mentor from the onset of training, allowing for an integrated research experience throughout the year. This supportive environment fosters the development of skills needed to conduct meaningful research in sleep medicine.

Application Process and Requirements

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest selects one fellow annually. To qualify, applicants must have completed a three-year residency program in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, otolaryngology, pediatrics, or psychiatry that is accredited in the U.S. or Canada. Candidates must also be board-eligible and eligible for licensure by the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

The application process requires candidates to apply through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). The application must include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, USMLE/COMLEX transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Notably, foreign medical graduates are welcome, provided they have passed the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) exam and the USMLE. The program exclusively offers sponsorship for J-1 visas, which applicants must have at the time of application.

Program Benefits and Fellow Experience

Fellows at Wake Forest enjoy multiple benefits, including a competitive salary based on their completed residency level, a generous budget for continuing medical education (CME), and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Additional provisions include long-term disability coverage and resources to support fellows during their training.

The program emphasizes a nurturing and collegial environment, encouraging collaboration among interdisciplinary team members. This focus on teamwork not only enhances the fellows' training experience but also promotes personal and professional growth as they prepare to become independent practitioners in the field of sleep medicine.