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Internal Medicine Fellowships

Article on Internal Medicine Fellowships

Doctors of internal medicine are also known as internists and the ‘doctor’s doctor’ as they are often called upon to solve diagnostic puzzles by other physicians. Internal medicine specializes in dealing with undifferentiated or multi-system disease process and the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of adult diseases.

The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM)

Founded in 1978, the SGIM consists of around 3000 members who are academic general internal medics. They promote research and education with the intention of improving all-round healthcare. In 1984 the SGIM identified key development criteria for successful academic internists; epidemiology, education science, and decision analysis. A shortfall of general internal medics was also predicted at this time leading to the publication of criteria for Internal Medicine Fellowship criteria.

Emphasis was placed on maintaining flexibility in programs to allow pursuit of the fellow’s particular research projects, but to also ensure that competency in biostatistics and epidemiology were also obtained. Physicians working in internal medicine may practice general medicine but can be awarded a subspecialty after completing a fellowship, generally consisting of additional training over 2-3 years. Some specific Internal Medicine Fellowships are detailed below.

Yale University School of Medicine Fellowships

The Department of Internal Medicine offers training in all of the major subspecialties, one of which is Geriatrics. This program is open to qualified MDs and PhDs who have finished an internship and residency in a U.S. ACGME accredited program in Internal or Family Medicine with rotations in geriatrics.

Baylor College of Medicine Fellowship Programs

After residency Baylor College offers 2-4 year Internal Medicine Fellowships in every major subspecialty. The fellow is given the opportunity to learn the specialty’s key concepts, procedures and to conduct relevant research with the support of specialists in this area. Examples of subspecialty Training Programs include Allergy and Immunology, Atherosclerosis and Lipoprotein Research, Clinical and Laboratory Immunology, Critical Care Medicine, and Endocrinology amongst others.

The Medical College of Wisconsin General Internal Medicine (GIM) Fellowship

This 2 year program involves training in research skills, faculty development, course-work, as well as clinical practice. Fellows work closely with a faculty mentor throughout the program. Special areas of research at this institution include medical decision making for disease prevention, chronic disease management, and evaluation of innovative initiatives in medical education. A stipend of $41,000-$42,230 is available for the Internal Medicine Fellowship.

Hopkins General Internal Medicine Fellowship

Hopkins fellowship has been supported by federal grants for 30 consecutive years and aims to prepare general internists to adopt leadership roles and faculty positions in GIM and public health. There are two specialized tracks available (the Clinical Research track and the Medical Education track); both are 2-3 years in length. Due to grant training restrictions, only US citizens and permanent residents can apply for these fellowships.

The SGIM issued a policy statement in 1994 outlining the key components of an Internal Medicine Fellowship including critical appraisal, decision analysis skills, competencies in bedside teaching, lecturing and facilitating small conferences and comprehensive research training. Contacting the SGIM prior to applying for an internal medicine fellowship would be advisable.