Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Baylor College of Medicine (Temple) Program

Overview of the Fellowship Program

The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple offers a well-structured Infectious Disease Fellowship program that spans two years. The program aims to comprehensively train fellows to become proficient in managing a broad spectrum of infectious diseases. The focus includes crucial areas such as HIV/AIDS and transplant-related infections. A significant emphasis is placed on clinical excellence, research, and leadership, preparing fellows for impactful careers in the field. The fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year comprises 13 rotations lasting four weeks each. The schedule includes eight blocks dedicated to inpatient clinical rotations at the Baylor Scott & White Health and Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. The fellows will also have four blocks allocated to outpatient rotations and research. Additionally, each fellow is required to spend one half-day per week in their continuity clinic throughout the year.

Year 2

In the second year, fellows again complete 13 four-week rotations. Four blocks are designated for inpatient care between Baylor Scott & White and Central Texas Veterans Health Care. The fellows also gain exposure to bone marrow transplant experiences at The University of Texas MD Anderson Center. The remaining eight blocks can be tailored to reflect the fellow’s interests, which allows for significant personalization of their training.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical outpatient rotations during the fellowship include specialized clinics such as a Wound Care Clinic, Hepatitis Clinic, General Outpatient Infectious Disease Clinic, Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy Clinic, Travel Medicine Clinic, and the County STD Clinic. In all, this robust clinical experience helps refine fellows' skills in patient management and care.

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

Fellows participate in three conferences conducted weekly at noon, which cover core curriculum presentations by both faculty and peers. Additional conferences such as journal clubs, morbidity and mortality meetings, and case discussions facilitate continuous learning and peer engagement.

Research Opportunities

Each fellow is encouraged to engage in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, with active projects focusing on areas such as infection prevention and phage therapy. Faculty supervision ensures that adequate time and resources are allocated for research activities, promoting academic growth.

Training Environment

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple is a 640-bed teaching hospital, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Texas's best hospitals. The environment fosters a nurturing space where fellows can thrive academically and professionally. The training is enhanced by a favorable faculty-to-fellow ratio, ensuring individualized mentorship and guidance.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports visa sponsorship, typically offering support for J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible international medical graduates. In terms of competitiveness, the program is known to be friendly toward both DO and IMG applicants, with an inclusive selection process that considers a range of qualifications.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and should be on track for certification with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) before beginning their fellowship. The program has specific thresholds regarding the year of graduation and considers candidates who have passed the USMLE Step exams without major failures.

Living in Temple

Temple uniquely provides access to the conveniences of urban living while offering a small-town atmosphere. This environment can be attractive to fellows looking for both professional opportunities and a balanced lifestyle.