The Rheumatology fellowship program trains rheumatologists to be successful in all fields, whether in private practice, as academic clinician educators or as physician-scientists. The OUHSC Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy Section offers a two year clinical fellowship designed to prepare individuals for the practice of rheumatology. Fellows, otherwise qualified, who complete this training may apply to sit for the board examination in Rheumatology sponsored by the American Board of Internal Medicine. We use ERAS for the NRMP match process and recommend candidates submit their applications as early as possible to expedite scheduling of interviews.
Clinical Training
The clinical training portion of the fellowship program provides broad general rheumatology clinical training. The inpatient consult service also provides broad exposure to rheumatic disease emergencies and care of complicated rheumatic disease patients. The diversity of the local patient population, as well as the tertiary care referral population for rare rheumatic diseases ensures that our trainees have a well-rounded experience that more than adequately prepares them for diagnosis and management of all rheumatic diseases. Our program has a strong track record of producing both well respected physicians and academic leaders.
Clinical fellowship includes two continuity clinics, one at the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Hospital and the second at OU Medicine serving the underinsured populations of Oklahoma and surrounding states including north Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. Fellows participate in inpatient consultation three months a year. Additional clinical opportunities include rotations in a variety of electives including private practice, orthopedics, and sports medicine among others. The clinical training is complemented by a highly rated formal didactic curriculum.
Research
A major asset of the OUHSC Rheumatology Fellowship Program is the strength of the research training opportunities available for clinical, translational, and basic science research. This is largely due to the exceptionally strong faculty researchers at OUHSC and OMRF, most of whom are well-funded (NIH, American College of Rheumatology, Arthritis Foundation, etc.). With the help of a mentor, fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical research projects and many take advantage of the robust clinical trials at OMRF or in basic and translational research with our faculty.