Curriculum

Fellows attend a weekly didactic lecture every Friday morning to discuss relevant topics in rheumatology. The core curriculum presents an organized series of lectures on the principles of rheumatology, including: basic and clinical immunology; the investigation of patients with rheumatic complaints; pathophysiology, presentation, and prognoses of rheumatic diseases; treatments; methods of investigation; literature research skills; integrative/complementary medicine; and fatigue mitigation/physician wellness. These lectures are presented by the faculty, with some topics reviewed by fellows or guest speakers from other Divisions or Departments in the School of Medicine. Further, lectures are enhanced by video reviews of various topics offered through the American College of Rheumatology.

Held on Fridays at 12noon, Rheumatology Grand Rounds is designed for the presentation and discussion of interesting or complex cases from the outpatient clinics or in-patient consultation services, followed by a short review of the literature pertinent to the case. The Stanford consult fellow along with the attending physician presents this case. When possible, patients with interesting clinical findings are invited to attend these conferences.

Held on Fridays at 1:00 pm, Journal Club provides a forum for the review of 2 papers per week from the current literature on topics of relevance to rheumatology or immunology. The goal of these sessions is not only to review and discuss important clinical and research advances, but also to learn how to critically review the medical literature. One fellow and one faculty present each week.

One Friday every month, one or more faculty members present an update on their research or other academic work.  Towards the end of each academic year, fellows are afforded an opportunity to present their own scholarly work.  In addition, the Stanford Immunology Seminar Series is held Tuesday afternoons.

On Wednesday mornings, fellows are encouraged to attend Medicine Grand Rounds at Stanford.

One Tuesday every month, fellows participate in Radiology Rounds with dedicated musculoskeletal radiology faculty, in which they receive instruction in the interpretation of musculoskeletal imaging.  Fellows also get hands-on training in musculoskeletal US two Fridays each month at Stanford, as well as in the MSK US clinic once a week when they are on the Valley consult service.  Fellows can also rotate in the Stanford MSK US clinic.

One Friday every month, fellows review ACR CARE questions with select faculty to enhance their understanding of Immunology and Rheumatology, and to help prepare for the Boards.

Fellows participate in the teaching of Stanford medical students and residents. Fellows give didactic lectures, participate in courses, as well as review and provide advice based on the medical literature in the care of individual patients during rounds.