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Why would I want to pursue this fellowship when I can just go out and get a job? Currently, there are more hospitalist positions nationally available than there are physicians to fill them, i.e., demand is exceeding supply. Therefore, if you are seeking a routine clinical position and wish to begin your practice immediately then you can take comfort in this "buyers" market. This fellowship program was not designed for mass appeal. Rather, it was conceived for those individuals who are interested in building clinical, teaching, quality and leadership skills that will foster contributions to the field of hospital medicine beyond direct care of patients. The training is broad enough to ensure competency in all major facets of inpatient practice while retaining the ability to customize to suit the needs of the fellow. Whether you intend to start a new hospitalist program, assume leadership of an existing group, establish a palliative care consult service, become a medical student clerkship director, create a residency hospitalist track, lead quality initiatives, or simply provide outstanding care to your patients - you will be well prepared upon completion of the HPMG Hospitalist Fellowship.  Back to topIs there certification? The AMA classifies Hospitalist as a "self-designated practice specialty/area of practice without identical counterparts in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) populations" (JAMA, Sept 13,200;vol 284, No. 10, p 1284-1301). There is not yet board certification or formal specialization in hospital medicine, although gradual movement towards specialty designation over the next several years is likely. Upon completion of the HPMG Hospitalist Fellowship Program, physicians receive a certificate of training from the HealthPartners Institute for Medical Education as well as other formal acknowledgment of specific curricular items, e.g., EPEC training. Back to topHow might this affect my career? Physicians who complete the fellowship are uniquely trained in areas not well addressed in traditional residency programs. Most hospitalists in practice attempt to acquire these competencies "on the fly" in a slow, somewhat random and variable fashion. A primary goal of our program is to provide recognizable and tangible skills that will translate into greatly enhanced placement opportunities in competitive markets, the ability to lead initiatives in your chosen area of practice, and the reward of contributing to the field of hospital medicine so early in its development. Back to topWill my clinical work require supervision? Your clinical work as a fellow would require no staff supervision or co-signatures. Since you are not subject to ACGME or other governmental regulation as a trainee (i.e., educational financing constraints) you may function independently in providing patient care, and bill for the services you provide. Back to topStudent loans and other financial obligations are creating pressure for me to directly enter practice. How can this be reconciled with "delaying" my professional career by considering this fellowship? One could argue that 12 months spent intensively learning about the complex issues affecting care of hospitalized patients represents not a delay, but rather a vital asset for a prosperous career in hospital medicine. That being said, there is no doubt the financial pressures on graduating residents is a significant (and worsening) problem. We address this in three practical ways. First, the salary is set notably higher than a traditional first-year fellow - in fact would be closer to a mid-point between a typical fellow and a full-time staff. Second, our program is one-year in duration as opposed to 2-3+ years in other specialties. Third, there is opportunity to earn additional income by providing night call, clinic or TCU coverage throughout the year. A final consideration is that fellows completing our program may be eligible for higher starting salaries than their non-fellowship colleagues. Back to topIs this supported by the National Association of Inpatient Physicians (NAIP)? Hospitalists in our organization are actively involved in the NAIP through meetings, committees and society promotion. The NAIP supports our educational efforts by working to define key practice issues and core competencies, but currently does not officially "sponsor" any residency or fellowship program for hospitalists. Back to topIs there affiliation of your program with the University of Minnesota School of Medicine? A formal affiliation agreement exists between the University of Minnesota and Regions Hospital, but not specifically with our fellowship. Fellows in our program are eligible for clinical appointment to the University of Minnesota faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine. Back to topWho do I contact for more information? Contact Laura Gaylord, Hospitalist Fellowship Coordinator at (952) 883-5388 to learn more about our program. Back to topHow do I apply? To apply send: 1)CV 2)A letter of intent 3)Three personal reference letters To: Laura Gaylord, Hospitalist Fellowship Coordinator 21110W HealthPartners 8100 34th Avenue S PO Box 1309 Minneapolis, MN 55440 Or Fax to Lauras attention at (952) 883-5395 Applications received by January 31st each year will be considered for that years fellowship positions. |
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