FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION

ENDOCRINE FELLOW RESPONSIBILIES

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR RESIDENTS

 

KNOWLEDGE TO BE GAINED

• Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of endocrine and metabolic problems, including diabetes mellitus, with emphasis on those commonly seen by a specialist in the ambulatory setting.
  
• Familiarity with the clinical manifestations and principles of treatment of major endocrine emergencies, including decompensated diabetes mellitus, severe hypoglycemia, Addisonian crisis, pituitary apoplexy, thyroid storm, and myxedema coma.
  
• Familiarity with the indications for, principles, complications, and interpretation of specialized tests, including thyroid function tests, dynamic testing of pituitary-adrenal function, immunoassays of various hormones, MRI of the pituitary, nuclear imaging of the thyroid, fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid, and bone mineral density studies.
  
• Knowing when to consult or refer a patient to an endocrinologist.

SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED

• Ability to take a good medical history and perform a careful and accurate physical examination.
  
• Ability to write concise, accurate and informative histories, physical examinations and progress notes.
  
• Ability to formulate comprehensive and accurate problem lists, differential diagnoses and plans of management.
  
• Ability to write concise, accurate, informative and helpful consultation notes, clearly outlining the recommendations and explaining their rationale.
  
• Ability to search efficiently and evaluate the medical literature, including print and electronic media, in order to find pertinent and accurate information about a patient or condition.

DESIRABLE BEHAVIOR

• Interacting with patients and families in a professionally appropriate manner.
  
• Learning by participation in ward rounds, teaching conferences and other educational activities.
  
• Willingness and ability to teach medical students.
  
• Commitment to professional scholarship, including systematic and critical perusal of relevant print and electronic literature, with emphases on integration of basic science with clinical medicine, and evaluation of information in light of the principles of evidence-based medicine.
  
• Willingness and ability to help the requesting physician in a consultative or co-management capacity, according to the needs of the situation.
  
• Habitual consideration of the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic and treatment strategies.
  
• Appreciation of the social context of illness.
  

TEACHING METHODS

• Consultation rounds with faculty specialists in endocrinology.
  
• Attendance at endocrinology conferences.
  
• Attendance at general medical conferences: CPC, Grand Rounds, Core Curriculum Lecture, Chief Residents' Conference.
  
• One-on-one supervision by faculty at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Center.

PATIENTS

• Patients with diabetes, endocrine and metabolic diseases, seen as consultant or as primary care physician in the ambulatory setting at Hermann Hospital or the County Hospital.
  
• Subspecialty clinic patients, ages 16 and over, at Hermann Hospital or the County Hospital.
  
• Consultations for inpatients on medical and other services at Hermann Hospital and County Hospital.
  
• Primarily ambulatory experience.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

• Reprints from medical literature, obtained by residents, students, teaching attendings and consultants.
  
• Endocrinology section of MKSAP.

EVALUATION METHODS

• Observation by teaching attending physician.
  
• At end of rotation, conference with teaching attending physician; completion of ABIM evaluation form by teaching attending.
  
• Resident completes written evaluation of rotation and attending physician.