Program Overview & Advanced Training
Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Overview
The fellowship offers opportunities for interested, qualified fellows to stay for an additional one to two years to prepare for an academic career. The application for these tracks is completed at the time of initial application to the program. The Advanced Training program offers three tracks: Research, Education, or Health Care Policy. Once accepted, advanced fellows develop a training plan with a mentor.
Clinician Educator
Fellows in this track complete the Harvard Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Professions and design an educational project. They also provide clinical education for Harvard Medical School students.
Health Care Policy
Fellows have the opportunity to work in the area of health care policy with mentors from our Accountable Care Organization, Hebrew SeniorLife/Brandeis Heller Center to Inform Policy and Practice, and other programs at Harvard Medical School. Current projects focus on improving care in nursing homes through video consultation, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, transitions of care, developing new financial models for geriatrics, and quality improvement in the acute hospital and long-term care facility.
Research
Fellows acquire a firm knowledge base in theoretical and practical aspects of research in aging. This will prepare them to critically evaluate the research of others and to participate in the design and conduct of their own projects. Fellows pursing the research track identify an area of research and a mentor with whom they work closely to formulate a hypothesis and to gather and analyze data. This track offers the opportunity to take courses in the Harvard School of Public Health.
The Division of Gerontology also offers the T32 Translational Research and Aging Training Program. This two-year program is open to PhDs and MDs interested in a research career in the field of aging.
Multicampus Geriatric Medicine Fellowship
The BIDMC Gerontology Division sponsors the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Multicampus Geriatric Medicine Fellowship for physicians interested in academic career paths in geriatric medicine. After completing the ACGME accredited first year, fellows are eligible to take the Geriatric Medicine Board exam. The program offers Advanced Training opportunities for interested, qualified fellows to stay for an additional one to two years. The Advanced Training program prepares fellows for academic careers in Research and as Clinician Educators.
A unique feature of the fellowship is its affiliation with a number of HMS teaching hospitals. The program includes a broad range of clinical settings that expose fellows to the full spectrum of older adult populations, from healthy, active seniors to frail elders with multiple chronic conditions. Distinguished faculty from our multicampus program provide clinical expertise, training and mentorship. Partner institutions include BIDMC, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Element Care (a PACE program), Hebrew SeniorLife, Mount Auburn Hospital and the VA Boston Healthcare System. Fellows are exposed to primary care, house call medicine, institutional long term care, and skilled nursing home facilities.
Hebrew SeniorLife provides administrative support for the program, and it houses weekly half day educational sessions for geriatric fellows and interdisciplinary trainees. The curriculum includes interdisciplinary teamwork, health care finance and policy, physician leadership, culturally competent care and outreach to underserved populations.
Gerontology Fellowship FAQs
What is unique about this fellowship program?
The BIDMC Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine is a top fellowship program with many opportunities for its trainees. BIDMC is a top-ranking US hospital, and prides itself on its dedication to education, clinical care and research. This program consistently produces geriatricians and researchers in gerontology who go on to exciting and rewarding careers.
What are the clinical rotations in the program?
Fellows in this program rotate through several affiliated clinical sites, including BIDMC, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Hebrew SeniorLife.
How do I apply?
This program uses the standard ERAS common application form. Additional application requirements can be found on the Application Process page.
What specialized tracks does the program offer?
The Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine offers three specialized tracks for interested and qualified fellows: clinician educator, health care policy and research.
What benefits can I expect?
The program provides full BIDMC benefits for all fellows. If you have questions, you can contact the Benefits Office at (617) 632-9400 or benefits@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Does the program admit trainees on a visa?
Yes, the program admits trainees with either J-1 or H1-B visa with an ECFMG certificate.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have questions about your application, the application process, or the fellowship in general, contact Amanda Aprea (617-632-8684).