Program Information

A Note from Walter Nieri, MD, Program Director

The Banner Family Medicine Geriatric Fellowship Program is a one-year program (a second year of research is optional) that places a strong emphasis on clinical geriatrics.

The program offers a unique learning opportunity because most of the educational experience takes place in the Sun Cities and surrounding communities which is comprised of more than 85,000 older adults. Banner Health is the primary health care organization and their services are directed toward care of the elderly. The program is fully accredited through the Family Practice Program at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The curriculum consists of both block and longitudinal rotations. Longitudinal experiences include Geriatric Medicine and long-term care experiences in subacute, custodial, assisted living, and dementia-directed care environments. A large emphasis is placed on care for patients with dementia and end-of-life care. Block rotations consist of rotations on the Inpatient Geriatric Service, Geriatric Rehabilitation, Geriatric Psychiatry, Hospice, Subacute Care, and an elective to include the fields of neurology, dermatology, endocrine, urology, podiatry, gynecology and others.

Goals

The Banner Family Medicine Geriatric Fellowship Program goal is to develop physicians who will provide state-of-the-art care to the geriatric population. In addition, they will be leaders who will teach, assist in formulating health care policy (local and national), and act as advocates for geriatric care.

Objectives

• To develop clinical competence that will cover the whole continuum of care of the elderly patient. This includes care of the healthy to the very frail, and the transition from home care to long term care institution or vice versa.
• To develop teaching skills that will allow the physician to pursue an academic career in geriatric medicine.
• To develop a knowledge base in economic, legal, ethical, and legislative issues that will allow the geriatrician to become involved in the community, either locally or nationally.
• To develop administrative knowledge and skills that will prepare the physician to pursue a medical directorship in a long term care, Alzheimer’s unit, hospice unit, or home health agency.
• To provide scientific research opportunities during the first and second year fellowship that can lead to research career avenues.

Eligibility

The one-year program is available for physicians who have graduated from an ACGME accredited internal medicine/family practice program. Candidates must fulfill citizenship, residency, visa and/or licensure requirements for the Geriatric Fellowship Program and the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners.

Program Curriculum

• First year: See Sample Curriculum
• Second year: An optional second year junior faculty position is available through Banner Research's Center for Healthy Aging for fellows seeking scientific research and teaching opportunities.
• Internal Medicine/Family Practice Resident Rotation: Second and third-year residents may apply for a one-month geriatric elective rotation.
• Duty Hours Call Schedule: Geriatric Fellows’ regular work hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday with pager by phone every fourth week.
• Eligibility and Application: The one-year program is available for physicians who have graduated from an ACGME accredited internal medicine/family practice program. Candidates must fulfill citizenship, residency, visa and/or licensure requirements for the Geriatric Fellowship Program and the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners.

Upon completion of the program, a physician will be eligible to take the exam to receive a certificate of added qualification in geriatrics (Board Certified in Geriatrics).

We suggest applying as early as possible to give ample time for the interviewing process. We are encouraging all applicants to apply through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) which is now active for fellow applicants. If this is not feasible you may download the application and complete it manually and mail with other requested information to our office. If you have other questions, you may contact Eileen Harris, M.S., Program Coordinator at the Geriatric Fellowship Office:

• (623) 815-7661

I look forward to hearing from you!

Walter J. Nieri, MD
Geriatric Fellowship Office
10515 W. Santa Fe Drive
Sun City, AZ 85351
Fax: (623) 815-2981