Occupational Therapy (OT) Gerontology Fellowship Program

The mission of the OT Gerontology Fellowship program is to develop occupational therapy clinical specialists in Gerontology with advanced evidence-based knowledge and skills to serve as future leaders in the treatment of geriatric Veterans across the continuum of care.
 

The overall goal of the fellowship is to provide a quality educational opportunity for occupational therapy clinicians interested in gaining advanced skill in effective gerontological patient care, based on best-care models, peer-reviewed evidence integration, and an interdisciplinary approach to patient management. The overall goal for the fellow is verbalize and demonstrate the unique value occupational therapy provides in enhancing quality of life across the continuum of care for the geriatric client.

The focus of the proposed OT Fellowship in Gerontology is to train an advanced practitioner to provide optimal gerontological OT practices across the continuum of care. The clinical rotations will reflect this mission; the 12-month fellowship will be divided into 4 three-month rotations (Acute care, SNF level rehab [CLC], Home care [TLC/HBPC], and elective rotation).  Several outpatient clinical experiences (POSH, GeriPACT, General OT outpatient clinic, and Wheeled Mobility/Assistive technology clinic) will be ongoing throughout the year for an enchained experience for the fellow. During the fourth quarter, the fellow will choose either quality improvement project or scholarly activity focused on improving geriatric care.

A range of didactic training experiences will be provided to enhance specialist knowledge and skills related to geriatric care. Didactic trainings will be primarily interdisciplinary in nature to ensure a holistic, well-rounded understanding of the needs of older Veterans. Example didactic trainings include grand rounds and other presentations offered through the Duke Center on Aging and VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC); webinars and seminars focused on dementia, common conditions seen in the geriatric population, and quality of life; an intensive inter-professional training curriculum centered on older adult care in the hospital; and other trainings of interest to the fellow.

1. United States Citizenship

2. Graduates, or expected to graduate by the start of the fellowship year, from ACOTE accredited OT Master’s or Doctorate program

3. At least one FW Level II, or at least 3 months experience in a geriatric clinical practice setting or a clinical setting where the 50% of the caseload included geriatric population.

4. Proficient in spoken and written English

5. Fully licensed by the start of the fellowship year

Fellows are temporary employees of the Durham VAMC for a one-year appointment.

• Competitive salary

• Health insurance

• Paid leave and sick days

• Federal holidays

• Authorized absence to attend approved didactics/trainings

• Access to online journals

• Comprehensive learning experience with dedicated mentoring opportunities

The OT Gerontology Fellow will receive a full-time annual training salary. Appointees working 2080 hours are eligible for such benefits as annual leave, sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Associated Health Professionals earn Sick Time (4 hours per pay period, or 13 days a year) and Annual Leave time (4 hours per pay period, or 13 days a year), but are not eligible for retirement benefits.