Clinical Training
Continued clinical training in the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Endocrinology Fellowship is provided through direct and close supervision by faculty in all of the clinical rotations throughout training. Since most endocrine care is delivered in an ambulatory setting, the ambulatory experience is emphasized throughout the entire duration of the program.
Patient Evaluation Process
Patients are initially seen and evaluated by the trainees. The trainees then present their findings and management plans to the attending physician, who in turn reviews the clinical data, examines the patient and discusses the plan. The continuing interaction between trainee and attending physician is the heart of the educational experience.
Integration of Endocrine Disorders with Other Diseases
The integration of endocrine disorders with other diseases of the patient is part of the interaction between attending physician and trainee. When relevant, health promotion and identification of risk factors for disease are emphasized. All patient interactions take into account the following issues:
- Behavioral issues
- Cultural
- Environmental
- Ethical
- Occupational
- Socioeconomic
The same approach is carried out in other ambulatory clinics.
Inpatient Consultation Service Rotation
The inpatient consultation service is an important rotation that all fellows go through. During that rotation, trainees are an essential component of the consultation team, led by the attending physician. In most instances, the team includes residents and medical students rotating on the service. The team acts as a consultant to other services and as such does not have primary or immediate responsibility for the care of patients, except as a consultant. Inpatients are seen and evaluated by fellows on the consultation service and are reviewed daily with the attending physician.