Weill Medical College of Cornell University

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Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Application Guide

Geriatric fellowship programs are based in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine programs and last either 1 or 2 years in duration. (Applicants can have completed either residency.) The second year is generally devoted to research and is not ACGME-accredited. (J-1 visa holders are eligible only for a 1-year program.) Some programs offer both 1 year and 2 year positions. All programs must offer acute care, outpatient care, long term care, and home care experience. Palliative care is usually offered as well.

Fellowship Applications are completed through the American Association of Medical College’s Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), which is accessed online. Information regarding registration, policies and procedures may be found on the ERAS website (www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htm).

Timeline for applications for training beginning on July 1, 2011
Mid-June 2009: MyERAS Guide available.

July 1, 2009: MyERAS website opens to applicants to begin working on their applications.

July 15, 2009: ERAS opens to July application cycle programs for downloading.

Early to late Fall: Interviews are conducted. Decisions are made on a rolling basis: the earlier one completes an application, the better the chances for availability of openings.

Application Information
There is currently no match for geriatric fellowships, but this is currently under discussion by ADGAP (Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs). Many but not all programs participate in ERAS. Most programs require 3 letters of recommendation from your Program Director and other faculty submitted with the ERAS application. The personal statement and interview are important; offering you the opportunity to express your interest in geriatrics. Research interest and experience is appreciated but not required. Many programs will accept paper applications earlier than July 1 as well.

General Advice
Geriatrics fellowships are excellent training for residents interested in pursuing academic careers. This is still a “young” and under-populated specialty; many areas of research await investigation, and clinician educators are in great demand. Geriatricians must have a broad range of skills in teaching, some clinical work, research, and administration; a combination that keeps you on your toes. Residents planning careers in clinical medicine have a variety of possibilities available after a geriatric fellowship including hospitalist, medical director of long-term care facility, outpatient practice, home care practice, and often some combination. Trainees from New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell will not have difficulty finding an excellent position, even starting a little late in the year.

Anyone in the Geriatrics division would be delighted to speak to you about your plans.

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