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| Susan Zito, DO, MPH and Robert DiGiovanni DO, FACOI reviewing radiographs |
Program Description
The Largo Medical Center / Nova Southeastern University / Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Center fellowship in
Rheumatology is a dynamic two-year postdoctoral clinical based training program in Largo, Florida. The program is designed
to develop qualified physicians who are clinically competent in the field of rheumatology, are capable of working in a variety
of settings and who possess habits of life-long learning to build upon their knowledge, skills and professionalism.
Diversity in training is obtained from exposure to varied patient populations, clinical and basic science seminars, x-ray
conferences, pathology sessions, journal clubs and emphasis on one-on-one bed side teaching. Training encompasses the
full spectrum of connective tissue diseases from patients with infectious arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthritis,
systemic lupus erythematous, systemic vasculitis to patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, gout, crystal induced
arthritis and localized musculoskeletal pain conditions. Diversity of the clinical populations encountered at the clinics
of Sun Coast Internal Medicine Consultants and in the hospitals of Largo Medical Center and Bay Pines VAMC covers
the full spectrum of rheumatologic and related diseases. Inpatient and outpatient settings are utilized to train fellows
in rheumatology and provide additional exposure in the areas of musculoskeletal radiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation,
medical orthopedics, pain management, related pathology and clinical research.
Over the course of the program, trainees will develop clinical expertise in performing rheumatologic procedures, including
joint aspiration as well as joint and soft tissue injection tecniques. All training is closely supervised
by dedicated attending physicians in a congenial environment. Fellows are directly responsible for the care of patients
in outpatient settings working under the direction of a rheumatology attending physician and follow their patients throughout
their training, to maximize continuity of care. Fellows are additionally responsible to the rheumatology consult service
at both Largo Medical Center and Bay Pines VAMC. After initial evaluation of the inpatient, the fellow discusses diagnosis,
management and treatment with the consulting physician. Consult fellows then follow the patient closely throughout the
hospitalization writing daily progress notes and recommendations for management. Fellows also participate extensively
in the education of residents, interns and medical students on the rheumatology service.
Many clinical research opportunities are available within the program involving clinical trials, health services and outcomes
studies. Additionally, fellows spend two years in an independent research project to be carried out under the supervision
of a chosen faculty mentor. Clinics run five days a week at both SIMC and Bay Pines VAMC. Facilities are available
for fellows to have direct experience with MRI, DEXA, IVA, CT and a complete battery of immunologic tests for the diagnosis
and treatment of arthritis and collagen vascular diseases.
Qualifications of Candidates and Fellow Requirements
All applicants must have graduated from an accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine. All applicants must have
completed either a one (1) year AOA-approved rotating internship followed by successful completion of three (3) years of an
AOA-approved internal medicine residency; or an AOA-approved one (1) year internal medicine specialty track internship followed
by successful completion of two (2) years of an AOA-approved internal medicine residency. Applicants must be members
of the AOA in good standing. Applicants will be, or apply to be members of the American College of Osteopathic
Internists by the time of acceptance into the program. Accepted fellows must also obtain a temporary or permanent Florida
state license prior to the start of the program. (The Department of Medical Education will assist all House Staff in expediting
the licensing process).
Application Procedures
Resident candidates will complete the application provided by the Department of Medicine at Sun Coast Hospital of Largo,
Florida. Original or notarized copies of the internship, proof of successful 3-step board completion and the Osteopathic
Medical School transcript must be submitted with the application and other documentation listed. In addition, three
letters of recommendation, including one from the Program Director of the internal medicine residency program, must be providied.
A minimum of three evaluations from other internal medicine attending physicians, for rotations spent on their services, also
must be provided. Qualified applicants will be asked to interview at their own expense. The program director,
other rheumatology faculty, director of medical education and members of the medical education committee as well as other
designated trainers will conduct these interviews.
Upon favorable consideration by the program director, the candidate's application will be forwarded to the Medical Education
Committee for approval. Upon favorable action of the committee, the candidate will be notified in writing of the acceptance.
All candidates who have submitted an application and were not selected will also be notified in writing as soon as possible.
Program Director: Robert L. DiGiovanni, D.O., F.A.C.O.I., FACR
Faculty
Steven Fink, D.O., FACR
Jian Ma, M.D., Ph.D., FACR
Susan Zito, D.O., M.P.H., FACR
Ancillary Faculty
Current Fellows:
Brittany L. Goss, DO
Heather Czajkowska, DO
Hospital Affiliations
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| Largo Medical Center Indian Rocks |
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| Bay Pines VAMC |
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