West Virginia University Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at West Virginia University is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in geriatric medicine. The program accepts one fellow per year, emphasizing outstanding service, education, and research within the field. The unique context of West Virginia, as the only state wholly situated in the Appalachian region, provides fellows with invaluable exposure to a predominantly rural elderly population with significant healthcare needs due to socioeconomic challenges.

The primary training site for this fellowship is the West Virginia University Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility with 690 beds, recognized as a quaternary referral center serving not just West Virginia but also regions in western Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania. The fellowship offers clinical experiences designed to manage geriatric syndromes, with integrated care alongside Trauma, Surgical Intensive Care, Neurology, and Hospitalist Medicine specialties. The Geriatric Medicine services include specialized clinics for dementia care in collaboration with the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, focusing specifically on neurological diseases.

Clinical Rotations

During the fellowship, clinical rotations take place primarily at the West Virginia University Hospital, with additional training provided at community long-term care facilities. This offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary experience that is vital for understanding the complexities involved in geriatric care. Fellows engage with various patient populations and develop critical skills for the management of geriatric syndromes in different contexts.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship. Each fellow is required to complete a research or quality improvement project, addressing pressing topics such as cognitive genotypes in dementia, renal replacement therapy in older adults, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice care. Fellows are encouraged to participate in the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) Fellows Research Academy, further enhancing their research experience and scholarly activities in geriatrics 1.

Education and Conferences

The program emphasizes a robust educational framework with didactic conferences scheduled weekly, including Journal Clubs and Board Review sessions. Internal Medicine Grand Rounds occur every Friday, providing a platform for current issues in geriatric medicine to be discussed. Fellows also receive a stipend for professional conference attendance annually, which includes participation in significant meetings such as the Annual American Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting 4.

Application Process

The application process for the fellowship is highly competitive, as it participates exclusively in the NRMP Match for selecting candidates. Applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) including medical school transcripts, board scores, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. The fellowship program sponsors only J-1 visas and does not support H-1B visas for international applicants, making it essential for prospective fellows to confirm their eligibility 3.

Living in Morgantown

Morgantown is a vibrant college town, known for its outdoor activities, cultural events, and a friendly community. It is home to West Virginia University, often cited among the best small cities to live. The town offers residents various recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and boating, along with a rich array of dining options and cultural experiences, making it an appealing environment for trainees and their families 5.