Fellowship Program Director: Paul J DeMarco, M.D., FACP RACR RhMSUS
Overview
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases strives to mentor individuals wishing to pursue careers in academic medicine. While those participating in our program will fulfill all requirements for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) after two years of matriculation, we strongly encourage additional years of focused training. Applicants seriously wishing to pursue academic careers are expected to engage in three or more years of study. Offers to continue beyond the second year of study are based on merit. There are many opportunities for intensive clinical and basic science research training. The Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Program Structure
The first year is mainly devoted towards ensuring clinical competence in the practice of rheumatology. Clinical rotations in the consultative practice of rheumatology, pediatric rheumatology, and the community based practice of rheumatology provide opportunities to hone one's clinical skills. Exposure to research activities ongoing within the institute is provided regularly. Limited participation in research activities is encouraged. In the second year, there is more direct involvement in research endeavors. The third year is designed towards more focused research study with the specifics determined by the particular projects selected. Clinical conferences, core rheumatology lectures, and clinical and basic science journal clubs are held weekly throughout the entire year. Fellows are encouraged to request clinical electives that are available at several locations throughout the metropolitan area. Attendance at local and national scientific meetings is highly encouraged to assist with the development of insight into clinical research and scientific investigation.
Both basic and clinical research training is available. Trainees work under the direct supervision of one of the M.D. or Ph.D. NIAMS senior staff. The research experience is characterized by close daily interaction with a preceptor and individual instruction. Ambulatory patient care is expected throughout the training period. During the first year, a fellow will select a research mentor (see Faculty) with approximately 20% of their time made available for the initiation of research projects. In the second and third years, approximately 80% of one's time is devoted to research training. All first-year fellows are required to enroll in the research course, Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, offered by the NIH Clinical Center. Fellows interested in advanced training in clinical research may apply for selection in the Duke-NIH Master's Course in Clinical Research during the third year of fellowship training. Those with interest in laboratory-based investigation are able to pursue endeavors in the laboratory primarily after the first year of training.
Additional Information
For more information, please visit NIH NIAMS Rheumatology Training Program.
Application Information
To apply, please visit ERAS. Applicants must have completed two or more years of internal medicine residency training. Residents in the American Board of Internal Medicine Clinical Investigator Pathway and those with advanced research preparation are strongly encouraged to apply. Residents in the American Board of Internal Medicine Clinical Investigator Pathway are eligible to apply. Successful completion of two years of study fulfills all requirements for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Rheumatology. We strongly encourage those serious in their academic pursuits to undergo additional years of focused training. Two positions are available each academic year. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Candidates will be selected for interview approximately 20 months prior to the desired appointment. The majority of interviews will be conducted approximately 15 to 20 months prior to matriculation.