As a full-time employee at the hospital, how is the fellow compensated? Is there a separate fellow rate during fellowship hours? Or is the fellow on a “normal” salary with additional years of commitment after the fellowship ends? Is there tuition involved or is it waived by being a full-time employee?
The fellowship position is a full-time salaried position paid at 30 hours/week with benefits. You may also be able to defer your student loans during the year of your fellowship. There are not additional years of commitment from the fellow or the organization upon completion of the program.
How many people are usually accepted into the program each year?
One occupational therapy fellow per year.
Are the 3 hours of didactic coursework each week in a classroom format? If so, is that during the working week or on the weekend?
This is generally presented during the work week, occasionally on a weekend if faculty schedule requires.
Who are the faculty of this program and who are the mentors?
Faculty and mentors are the same. Most are employees of DUMC and for some sections we have additional faculty from outside clinics. During each section, the faculty who is teaching is also mentoring the fellow for at least 2 hours/week (the fellow still gets 4 hours of mentoring total)
As far as the letters of recommendation, are they to be sent to you directly by the writers or should it come with the rest of my application?
Email your references directly to Michael Schmidt along with the rest of your application packet collected together in a single Zip folder.
Do fellows work weekends?
Yes, fellows work weekends. These are one weekend day (either Saturday or Sunday) every 4 weeks.
Does Duke University affiliate with an occupational therapy school and require teaching in the university setting?
Duke University has an OTD program where our fellow presents a lecture and is an ongoing lab assistant for an Acute Care elective course. We also have a PT and medical school at Duke University and the occupational therapy fellow is involved in teaching in these programs alongside other health professionals. In addition, the fellow presents a lecture to the local COTA program.
What qualities are you looking for in potential applicants?
We are looking for candidates who take initiative with their professional development. Much of the fellowship is self-directed with support by mentors throughout. For example, you would be given a list of opportunities available to you, but it is up to you to manage your time and schedule those opportunities in addition to your direct mentoring and patient care time. It is a wonderful and unique opportunity to be exposed to the many facets of acute and critical care.
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Do you accept international applicants?
No, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor international applicants in their bid for licensure or residency and fellowship education.
