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Introduction to the Rheumatology Fellowship Program

The rheumatology fellowship program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center was established in 1966 by Dr. Evelyn V. Hess. The program's mission is to produce outstanding academic physician scientists and clinician educators. The aim is to facilitate fellows throughout their training to become excellent clinicians with comprehensive exposure to different aspects of the specialty.

Leadership

• Division Director: Avis Ware, MD
• Program Director: Priyanka Vashisht, MD
• Associate Program Director: Brian Houk, MD
• Program Coordinator: Ramona Jeter

Clinical Experience

The program's strongest element is its comprehensive and multi-dimensional clinical training for trainees. Fellows get continuity care experience at the UC Medical Center, VA Medical Center, and UC Health Midtown locations, each offering a unique learning opportunity and a diverse clinicopathologic spectrum of diseases. In addition to these, fellows gain experience rotating through faculty clinics at these locations as well as at the West Chester location.

Current 4-week Block Distribution

Total Blocks per year - 13

• Year 1
  • UC Medical Center Consult Blocks: 4
  • Elective Blocks: 4
  • Ambulatory Clinical Blocks: 4
  • Orientation and QI Block: 1
• Year 2
  • UC Medical Center Consult Blocks: 2 ½
  • Elective Blocks (including Radiology/ QI/ Research): 9 ½

Quality Improvement and Process Change

One of the vital elements of the program includes a required training in Quality Improvement. Fellows complete the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) basic certification and apply their knowledge and understanding to design and implement an individualized Quality Improvement project during their fellowship.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS)

The program utilizes musculoskeletal ultrasound in clinical education for fellows. Dedicated didactics and hands-on sessions are scheduled during the academic year to familiarize fellows with the basics of MSKUS. Fellows participate in performance and learning of diagnostic and therapeutic application of MSKUS in clinical practice.

Didactics and Conferences

Thursday mornings are reserved for fellows' didactics, including time for weekly didactics, self-learning, and reading. Friday afternoons are scheduled for conferences, which include:

• Combined Conferences – CTD/ILD, radiology conference, and others
• Journal Club
• Case Presentation
• Rheumatology Grand Rounds

Opportunities for Academic Advancement

The program offers opportunities for academic advancement, including the IMSTAR Fellowship.

Contract & Benefits

Salaries are commensurate with policies established for graduate medical education participants by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The college's contract, salary, and benefit information are available.