Abrazo Health Network Program

The Abrazo Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is a newly established, two-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited fellowship based in Phoenix, Arizona. The program is dedicated to developing skilled professionals who are equipped to provide exceptional care for diverse populations. Through its commitment to fostering a collaborative environment, the program promotes a family-oriented atmosphere among fellows, faculty, and staff, all working together to serve the local community.

Curriculum

The curriculum framework lays a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing the importance of quality improvement and exposure to a broad range of pathologies. The main training occurs at the Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, supplemented by rotations at the Abrazo Arrowhead and Abrazo West campuses. In the first year, fellows spend two-week blocks in the microbiology lab at the Abrazo Central campus, gaining invaluable experience in laboratory settings. In addition to inpatient rotations, fellows participate in a half-day continuity clinic each week along with an HIV specialty clinic, broaden their clinical exposure.

Rotations

Within the program, fellows have access to various elective rotations including Pediatric, Transplant, and Research opportunities. This diverse array allows fellows to tailor their training based on individual interests and career goals. The strategy behind the rotation structure aims to equip fellows with a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases through hands-on patient care and specialized clinic experiences.

Didactics

Didactics are a crucial component of the fellowship experience. Weekly sessions, conducted every Tuesday, encompass a structured core lecture series, fellow case presentations, morbidity and mortality meetings, grand rounds, and a journal club. This scholarly engagement not only fosters academic growth but also enhances the ability to synthesize complex information relevant to Infectious Diseases.

Program Highlights

The program boasts several unique features that enhance the educational experience. Fellows benefit from 24-hour access to Midwestern University’s library resources and the simulation lab, which is equipped with simulation patients, mannequins, and task trainer resources. There is also dedicated space for educational activities, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Meals are provided during duty hours, and fellows have access to electronic medical records, streamlining their clinical workflows.

This fellowship program is one of only two ID fellowship programs in Phoenix, providing fellows with extensive exposure to a wide array of pathologies. The program emphasizes wellness and provides opportunities for HIV clinic experience as an integral aspect of training. Additionally, fellows receive a stipend to attend national meetings as well as an educational allowance, which includes $1,000 for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and $3,500 for other educational resources.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. They primarily support J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating international applicants in their pursuit of fellowship training in Infectious Diseases.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Securing a position within the program is competitive, as it aims to attract highly motivated individuals, including those from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements include consideration of the applicant’s year of graduation and maximum failed STEP exams, which reflects the rigorous standards upheld by the program. As the program is newly initiated, its development continues to evolve, and it strives to maintain a diverse cohort of fellows prepared to tackle the challenges of modern medicine.