Rheumatology Fellowship: Curriculum 

Sample Block Schedule 

Rotation Synopses:

 

INPATIENT
The Inpatient Rotation for the Rheumatology Fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital is structured to provide fellows with comprehensive training in a dynamic and challenging environment. Each fellow participates in a two-week inpatient rotation, consistent throughout the full two years of the fellowship. First-year fellows will begin this rotation two months into their fellowship training, ensuring they have foundational knowledge and skills before engaging in inpatient care. 

CONTINUTIY CLINIC
The Continuity Clinic is a vital component of the Rheumatology Fellowship program, providing fellows with consistent, longitudinal patient care experiences. Conducted three half-days a week, this clinic allows fellows to build ongoing relationships with patients, enhancing their understanding of chronic conditions and the importance of continuity in care. All fellows participate in the Continuity Clinic throughout the full two years of the program, with the exception of those on the inpatient rotation and some elective rotations, during which they are excused from clinic duties.

SPORTS MEDICINE
The Sports Medicine Rotation is a 2-week elective offered to first-year fellows, providing an opportunity to explore the intersection of sports medicine and rheumatology. This rotation is designed to enhance fellows' understanding of musculoskeletal exams, exercise physiology, and the management of athletic-related conditions, fostering a comprehensive approach to patient care in both sports and rheumatological contexts.

INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE

The Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Rotation is a two-week elective offered to first-year fellows, focusing on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of various interstitial lung diseases associated with connective tissue diseases. This rotation will develop expertise in interpreting pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk tests, and CT scans, as well as managing patients with ILD and connective tissue diseases. Fellows will also gain an understanding of the complex interplay involved in interdisciplinary collaboration.

PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
The Pediatric Rheumatology Rotation is a 2-week elective offered offsite at University of Houston - Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital for first-year fellows. This rotation provides a unique opportunity to specialize in the diagnosis and management of rheumatological disorders in pediatric patients, allowing fellows to gain valuable insights into the specific challenges and considerations of treating children with rheumatic conditions.

 

ONCOLOGY RHEUMATOLGY

The Oncology Rheumatology Rotation is a 1-month elective offered offsite at MD Anderson Hospital for second-year fellows. This rotation focuses on the complex relationship between oncology, rheumatological disorders and immuno-therapy, providing fellows with valuable insights into the management of patients who present with both cancer and rheumatic diseases.

 

NEURO-IMMUNOLOGY

The Neuro-Immunology Rotation is a two-week elective offered to second-year fellows. This rotation focuses on the intricate relationship between the nervous system and the immune system, emphasizing the treatment of patients with neuro-immunological disorders. Fellows will enhance their understanding of the neurologic manifestations of connective tissue disorders and the management of patients with both rheumatologic and neurological conditions.

 

DERMATOLOGY

The Dermatology Rotation is a two-week away elective offered to second-year fellows at Kelsey Seybold. This offsite rotation allows fellows to explore the interface between dermatology and rheumatology, focusing on skin manifestations of rheumatic diseases and other dermatological conditions relevant to rheumatologic practice. Fellows will enhance their understanding of the fundamental principles of microscopic examination of the skin and develop the skills necessary to interpret skin biopsy reports effectively.

 

RESEARCH

Every Friday afternoon, the Rheumatology Fellowship program offers dedicated research opportunities for fellows. This time is set aside for fellows to engage in various research activities, including:

  • Literature Review: Fellows can explore current literature to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for potential research.
  • Project Development: Time is allocated for fellows to work on developing their research proposals, including designing studies and identifying methodologies.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Fellows can focus on collecting and analyzing data for ongoing research projects.
  • Collaboration: This time also provides an opportunity to collaborate with faculty and peers on research initiatives, fostering a supportive research environment.
  • Manuscript Development: Fellows will have the opportunity to develop manuscripts for publication, enhancing their skills in scientific writing and communication.