General Internal Medicine (GIM) fellows are part of the Penn Primary Care Research Training Program (PCRTP) and obtain an advanced degree in one of two programs:
GIM fellows become an integrated part of the Division of GIM as it offers a wealth of educational and research experiences for trainees. Faculty and trainees attend the following:
- Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (weekly)
- Division of General Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (biweekly)
- Health Services Research Conferences (biweekly)
The Division of GIM also has numerous established clinician-scientists who welcome the opportunity to help fellows who have research interests in their areas of expertise. The studies conducted by our faculty span an enormous array of topics. The division also has an accomplished cadre of clinician-educators who also conduct research as well as serving as excellent role models of teachers.
Research Opportunities
GIM fellows are fully integrated with other trainees in the Primary Care Physician Scientist Fellowship Training Program (PCRTP) at the University of Pennsylvania, providing a cohort of trainees interested in primary care research that leads to a stimulating and rich learning environment. Fellows receive formal training in one of two graduate level programs that each provides core skills in research methods and biostatistics with an emphasis in health policy research (MSHP) or clinical epidemiology (MSCE), respectively. Fellows are also assigned one or more research mentors to help them successfully carry through at least two research projects from conception to publication. Fellows have the opportunity to work with a range of mentors and research programs at the University of Pennsylvania.
Clinical Responsibilities
Clinical fellows practice one half day per week at the Philadelphia Veteran’s Administration Hospital which is only a block away from the DGIM offices. There are also opportunities to focus in clinical areas such as Women’s Health, HIV Primary Care, Addiction Medicine, and Inpatient Medicine.
Teaching Responsibilities
Clinical fellows may have an opportunity to precept trainees in the primary care setting.
Under-Represented Minorities
We work with two Penn offices to enhance and support program diversity: The Office of Inclusion and Diversity and the (PEER) Program for Health Equity in Education and Research. The mission of these centers is to foster a vibrant inclusive environment that fully embraces diversity, and to create formal and informal support structures for trainees and faculty from minority groups.
Mentoring
Each fellow is assigned one or more research mentors who have expertise in the fellow’s area of interest. The fellows meet with the mentor on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Mentorship and mentorship teams may evolve over the course of the program as the fellows’ interest becomes more defined. The mentor plays a key role in monitoring the progress of the fellow and ensuring that they can access the resources needed to complete their research projects. Mentor(s) also provide career guidance as the fellow’s transition through the program.
Research in Progress Seminars
DGIM research faculty meet bi-weekly to present research in progress. The GIM fellows are invited to present and participate in these sessions.
Conference and Rounds
Throughout the campus, there are weekly conferences, rounds and seminars that create a unique academic environment. The conferences are attended by fellows, faculty, residents and students, and often feature nationally prominent speakers.
Academic Meetings
Fellows are provided professional funds to help support attendance at scientific meetings. They are particularly encouraged to attend the regional and/or national Society of General Internal Medicine meeting. Many fellows also choose to attend the Annual Research Meeting at AcademyHealth.
How to Apply
You must be a physician who has completed residency in Internal Medicine with a strong research interest in primary care. Applicants must be a citizen or non-citizen national of the U.S. or a permanent resident.
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please check back on our Application Page this summer.
Inquiries about the Penn GIM Fellowship can be addressed to Abby Kearns at Abby.Kearns@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.