Objectives

The objectives of the program are to develop critical reasoning and scholarly approach to the practice of advanced medicine, and to prepare trainee physicians to obtain certification and practice independently as specialists in the field of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.

Qualifications of Candidates

Applicants for the fellowship program must have completed at least three years of approved residency training in internal medicine. Foreign medical graduates will not be eligible generally for appointment unless they have completed three years of IM Residency in an accredited program in either the United States or Canada.

Training Programs Available

This program involves two years of training, including an aggregate of 4 months of research each year. The research activity may be either clinical, basic, translational, or a combination of these.

Clinical Training

Facilities available for clinical training include the Methodist University Hospital (MUH), Regional One Health (formerly the MED), the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), the Methodist South Hospital and the outpatient facilities of these institutions. Regional One has facilities for both indigent and private patients of the staff of the University of Tennessee. In addition, UT includes an NIH supported Clinical Research Center which has outpatient and inpatient scatter beds where challenging endocrine issues are studied in depth.

The clinical trainee will rotate through the VAMC, Regional One Health and Methodist University Hospital. General endocrinology outpatient clinics meet two days per week at VAMC and Regional One. In addition, 3-4 private endocrine clinics of the faculty are held at the University of Tennessee Medical Center outpatient department. Consultation rounds are held twice a week at each institution for the residents and fellows assigned to that institution. At the VAMC a weekly conference is held prior to the outpatient clinic. In addition, a bi-monthly endocrine teaching conference is held for students and general house staff. An endocrine teaching conference for students, house staff and fellows are held once a week. In addition, tutorial lecture series are held twice a week covering a broad range of endocrine topics.

The VAMC serves as a referral center for a five-state area and has an excellent selection of endocrine case material. A consultative service is maintained for complicated diagnostic and therapeutic studies. The VAMC also includes a dedicated RIA endocrine laboratory, a euglycemic clamp facility and research laboratories including facilities for recombinant DNA work.

The training Program incorporates elective rotations through Pediatric Endocrinology, the Memphis Metabolic Bone Center, Reproductive Endocrinology, High-risk OBGYN, and Medical Nutrition. All fellows also receive core curriculum lectures in ethics, biostatistics, and responsible conduct of human research.

A vigorous didactic component, comprising formal tutorials, integrated conferences, Endocrine Grand Rounds, Journal Club, Mortality and Morbidity conference, is an outstanding feature of the Endocrinology Fellowship Program.

Research Training

Research experience is an essential component of the training for a qualified endocrinologist. For individuals who plan to become primarily practicing endocrinologists, involvement in research will greatly enhance their clinical abilities. For those individuals who plan to continue a research career, training in appropriate research methodologies will provide a solid foundation for their future career.

Evaluation

At the beginning of training, each fellow will be take a Pre-test examination in order to assess baseline knowledge in endocrinology and metabolism, identify areas of strength and weakness, and to guide targeted knowledge development during fellowship training. Each fellow will be evaluated on his/her performance, medical knowledge, clinical skills, humanistic qualities and other core competencies at the end of each rotation. These evaluations will be reviewed by the Program Director semi-annually. In addition, senior fellows participate in the Endocrine Self- Assessment Program (ESAP-ITE) each year administered by the Endocrine Society. Historically, graduates of our Program have had 100% pass rate on the Endocrinology Board examination.

Appointments

Appointments are made initially for one year, and are renewable for a second year, upon satisfactory performance. Stipends are commensurate with training and experience and conform to the University of Tennessee's guidelines.

The University of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer.

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism - Goals & Objectives

 

Contact Us

920 Madison Avenue
Suite 300A
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: (901) 448-2610
Fax: (901) 448-4340

Demaria Young
Program Coordinator
Phone: 901-448-6605
dyoung35@uthsc.edu