Baylor College of Medicine Program
Location:
Houston, TXSpecialty:
Pediatric infectious diseasesACGME Code:
3354811055The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at Baylor College of Medicine offers an extensive and rigorous training experience in the field of pediatric infectious diseases. As a component of one of the largest pediatric departments in the United States, the program is situated within the Texas Medical Center, a vibrant hub for medical education, research, and clinical practice.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship is a three-year program designed to equip pediatricians with the skills necessary to excel in pediatric infectious diseases. The first year is primarily focused on clinical training at Texas Children’s Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility renowned for its comprehensive pediatric care. Years two and three are dedicated to mentored research training, allowing fellows to engage in basic, translational, or clinical research projects.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum includes a balanced mixture of clinical, teaching, consultative, research, and technical experiences. Fellows participate in a variety of rotations, including clinical microbiology, virology, and specialized clinics such as retrovirology and tropical medicine clinics. Importantly, the program also emphasizes independent research and scholarly activity, culminating in a strong foundation for future academic or clinical academic careers.
1Rotations
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship offers a minimum of 12 months of inpatient training in clinical infectious diseases. The first year encompasses rotations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with fellows supervised by full-time faculty. In the subsequent years, fellows gain increasing autonomy, contributing actively to both clinical services and research initiatives. Elective rotations are available and tailored to the fellow’s interests.
7Tracks and Specialization
Within the fellowship, there are specialized tracks available to fellows, such as the Transplant Medicine Track and the Tropical and Global Medicine Track. Each track provides focused training and mentorship opportunities, catering to the specific interests and career aspirations of fellows. This flexibility is key for those aiming to launch careers in niche areas of pediatric infectious diseases.
1011Research Opportunities
The program encourages research endeavors from its fellows, collaborating with a diverse range of faculty specializing in various aspects of pediatric infectious diseases. Fellows typically identify mentors early in their training who guide them through their research projects. The breadth of research conducted includes pharmacology, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes in susceptible populations.
9Application Requirements
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have completed a pediatric residency program accredited by ACGME or its equivalent. Additionally, candidates must provide three letters of recommendation and have their application submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program actively welcomes candidates from various backgrounds, emphasizing a commitment to diversity in the medical community.
4Visa Sponsorship
The program provides support for international applicants through visa sponsorship. Typically, they sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in the fellowship. This aspect broadens the program’s appeal for international applicants keen on pursuing careers in pediatric infectious diseases in the United States.
8Competitiveness
The fellowship is considered highly competitive. Applicants with robust clinical experiences, strong letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated interest in pediatric infectious diseases are favored. The program is friendly to both DO applicants and international medical graduates (IMGs), making it accessible to a diverse applicant pool.
5Didactic Training and Conferences
In addition to clinical training, fellows partake in a comprehensive didactic curriculum, including journal clubs, case presentations, and national conference attendance, which enriches their educational experience. The fellowship promotes lifelong learning by fostering opportunities for fellows to engage in both teaching and learning.
6Alumni Success
Since its inception, the fellowship has successfully trained over 90 pediatric infectious diseases specialists who now serve in academic, research, and clinical capacities across the globe. The alumni are recognized leaders in their fields and hold influential positions in various professional societies.
12Website
Director
Catherine E Foster, MDProgram Director, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Appointed Since July 2023 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$74,889First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Houston, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Houston, TX
Houston, TX, is a diverse and vibrant city with a lot to offer. Here is some information to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Houston is a big city with varying neighborhoods. It's always advisable to research specific areas for safety ratings before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Houston offers a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, parks, and museums. The city is also known for its sports teams and outdoor activities.
- Climate: Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels.
- Races and Population: Houston's population is very diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural landscape.
- Education: Houston has several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for learning and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Houston is generally lower than in many other major U.S. cities. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Houston is relatively close to other major cities like Austin (about 2.5 to 3 hours by car) and San Antonio (about 3 to 3.5 hours by car). Both cities offer their own unique attractions and are great for weekend getaways.
Overall, living in Houston can offer a mix of urban amenities, cultural experiences, and diverse communities. However, it's essential to consider factors like safety, weather, and specific living costs before making a decision.
Interview Questions
