Westchester Medical Center Program

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center offers an extensive two-year training experience for those looking to specialize in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. This ACGME-accredited program is highly competitive and designed to provide fellows with comprehensive clinical training.

Program Overview

Located in Valhalla, New York, the program is hosted at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship facility of the WMCHealth Network. The center serves as a major referral center for a seven-county region in New York's Hudson Valley. Throughout their training, fellows gain progressive responsibility in diagnosing and managing a diverse range of endocrine disorders.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses various specializations within endocrinology, including diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and disorders of the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Fellows engage in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring a balanced exposure to different phases of patient care. Didactics play a crucial role, with weekly case conferences and presentations enhancing the fellows' academic experiences.

Clinical Training

Fellows participate actively in clinical care by rotating through various services. They are involved in the inpatient consultative service, which handles patients from other specialties, including general medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. This service enhances their experience through hands-on management of complex endocrine-related complications, particularly diabetes. Outpatient experiences include a continuity clinic, the Diabetes Clinic focusing on self-management education, and a Thyroid Clinic where fellows learn specialized procedures like neck ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsies.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program prides itself on its emphasis on evidence-based medicine and the opportunity to participate in clinical research. Each fellow is expected to engage in quality improvement projects and present research findings at major endocrine meetings. The supportive environment fosters academic excellence and personal development.

Training Sites

The fellowship's training is primarily conducted at the Westchester Medical Center, equipped with modern facilities and access to extensive multidisciplinary teams, including nutritionists and endocrinology specialists. The fellows also have the chance to participate in multidisciplinary rounds at New York Medical College, ensuring exposure to a breadth of clinical knowledge and collaborative practice.

Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates seeking residency opportunities, Westchester Medical Center sponsors J-1 visas. Additionally, the program considers H-1B visa sponsorships on a case-by-case basis for exceptional candidates.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center is considered highly competitive. The selection committee looks for candidates who have completed a residency in Internal Medicine and are committed to pursuing a career in endocrinology. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of three letters of recommendation, with at least one from their Internal Medicine program director. Candidates must also have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 before starting the fellowship.

Current and Past Fellows

The program boasts a strong and vibrant community of current fellows and alumni, many of whom have gone on to hold esteemed positions in both academic and clinical settings. This network adds to the richness of the training environment and provides new fellows with valuable mentorship and guidance as they begin their careers in endocrinology.

Life at WMC

Life at Westchester Medical Center is characterized by a supportive community culture where fellows enjoy a balanced lifestyle while simultaneously engaging in rigorous clinical training. The center is located in a scenic area, with convenient access to the amenities and cultural offerings of New York City.