Rheumatology Training Program Overview:

The fellowship program at Vanderbilt University in the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology includes twelve faculty members and an additional eight practicing rheumatologists in Nashville. Many of these rheumatologists have extensive research experience and are outstanding teachers. Rheumatology clinics are ongoing each day of the week at Vanderbilt as well as many days at the adjacent Veterans Administration

Research is an integral part of the Vanderbilt Rheumatology training program and all Fellows undertake some research. The goals of the research component of our Fellowship training are broad and flexible according to the skills and needs of individual trainees, but include the following: to obtain an understanding of the scientific principles underlying research including: research of background information, proposal of a hypothesis, design of an experiment, ethical/animal care responsibilities, scientific integrity, performance of an experiment, data organization and storage, data analysis and presentation of results, through performing mentored, hands-on research.

The clinical component of the Rheumatology Fellowship program is directed by Dr. Howard Fuchs, and the research component of the Fellowship is directed by Dr. C. Michael Stein. Fellows work with their chosen mentor on individual projects. A wide range of research opportunities drawing on expertise and active research programs, both within and outside the Division, are available including both basic and clinical sciences.

Application for training

We have currently filled our positions for July 2010. We will be participating in ERAS application system for 2011 and using the NRMP matching service - as are most Rheumatology & Immunology Divisions throughout the country. It is anticipated that this will make application much easier and fairer for you. The ERAS mailbox will be available to you this fall and will be available for the program to review applications. A match submission deadline for programs has not yet been set, but is anticipated to be late May 2010. It is anticipated that we will consider interviewing starting early 2010 and extending into the spring (for the 2011 position). If this is a problem or if you have other questions, please contact us as below.

Residents can find out more about ERAS Fellowships through the AAMC web site: http://www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htmand can begin working on their fellowship applications now. They will be able to submit them on December 1, the same date that programs will be able to download applications to their programs.

Although rheumatology is coordinating its use of ERAS and the match, and both are run through the AAMC, registration for the two is separate. Please refer any questions you have about this to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) web site - http://www.nrmp.org/. A point of clarification: internal medicine subspecialties participate in the match through a subsection of the NRMP called the Medical Specialties Matching Program (MSMP). Rheumatology is listed under the MSMP subheader whenever you see a "participating fellowships" listing.

Contact Us

For questions about training in Rheumatology & Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center , you may contact us at the address and FAX number given below: