Wright State University/Dayton Community Hospitals Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at Wright State University's Boonshoft School of Medicine emphasizes comprehensive training in geriatric care. This one-year fellowship is structured to foster individualized educational experiences tailored to fellows' career goals.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 13 block rotations lasting four weeks each in areas such as Hospice/Palliative Care, Long Term Care, Neurology, and Geriatric Psychiatry, alongside elective opportunities. Additionally, fellows engage in longitudinal care at skilled nursing facilities, involve themselves in home visits and outpatient clinics, and partake in Senior Assessment Geriatric Evaluations. This diversity of settings ensures that fellows receive well-rounded training in geriatric medicine.

Rotations and Hands-On Training

Fellow trainees participate in various clinical settings, primarily Miami Valley Hospital, Hospice of Dayton, and the Dayton VA Medical Center. This exposure is critical to developing skills necessary for managing the complex health needs of older adults. The interprofessional approach allows fellows to collaborate with other health care professionals, including pharmacists and social workers, fostering a comprehensive understanding of geriatric care.

Training Sites

The primary training sites for the program include Miami Valley Hospital, which provides acute care experiences, and specialized centers for long-term and home care settings. Residents rotate through various facilities to gain insights and experience in delivering care across different environments, from skilled nursing facilities to home health services.

Research Opportunities

The Department of Geriatrics is actively engaged in research aimed at improving care for older adults. Key research areas include aging in place, dementia care, and long-term care practices. Collaborative efforts with local agencies investigate interventions that allow older adults to remain safely in their homes. Ongoing projects with the Alzheimer’s Association focus on evaluating and enhancing services for individuals with early-stage dementia.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming candidates who are board-certified or board-eligible in internal or family medicine through an ACGME-accredited residency program. Application requirements include a detailed curriculum vitae, a personal statement articulating the candidate's interests, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from medical schools. The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), typically accepting two fellows annually.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship, accommodating International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and foreign medical professionals who require J-1 or H-1B visas to participate in the fellowship. Applicants needing visa assistance are encouraged to note that in their applications.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Wright State’s Geriatric Medicine Fellowship stands out by not only providing clinical training but also focusing on integrating the principles of geriatric care throughout the medical education continuum. Faculty members contribute to the broader educational efforts aimed at improving care standards for older adults, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the complex challenges posed by this population.