Geisinger Health System (Danville) Program

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship program at Geisinger is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to solve complex medical mysteries and deliver exceptional care to individual patients while impacting global health. The program operates within Geisinger Medical Center, a well-regarded teaching hospital that boasts over 600 beds and a Level 1 trauma center, which serves as the primary training site for fellows. This integrated health system has an excellent reputation for innovation and is affiliated with a medical school, making it a prime location for aspiring infectious disease specialists.

Throughout the fellowship, which spans two years, fellows will have the opportunity to gain competency in various aspects of infectious diseases through a structured educational experience that includes rotations in diverse settings. These experiences encompass both rural and urban healthcare environments, facilitating exposure to a broad patient demographic and a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship program is meticulously organized into four-week blocks that encompass various training elements. Each block is aimed at developing the six core competencies necessary for specialists: patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and system-based practice. The fellowship includes direct patient care rotations in outpatient and inpatient settings, as well as rotations in specialized areas such as:

• HIV/AIDS rotation
• Sexually transmitted diseases clinic
• Clinical microbiology laboratory
• Infection prevention and control
• Antimicrobial stewardship program
• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Transplant Clinic

Moreover, fellows are engaged in various educational conferences that enhance their learning experience, including introductory lectures, core curriculum sessions, clinical case conferences, and journal clubs.

Research and Teaching Opportunities

Fellows are also encouraged to actively participate in research activities and collaborative teaching. The program fosters an environment where fellows can mentor and teach medical students and internal medicine residents, providing them with opportunities to present subspecialty lectures and participate in grand rounds and morbidity and mortality conferences. This interaction enhances the educational experience and prepares fellows for future leadership roles in medicine.

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific requirements. They should have graduated from an accredited medical school in the U.S. or Canada or have ECFMG certification if they graduated from an international medical school. Additionally, applicants must have completed a three-year residency in internal medicine and be eligible for a permanent and unrestricted medical license in Pennsylvania. The program seeks candidates who not only have impressive academic credentials but also a commitment to excellence in clinical practice.

Competitive applicants typically have completed their residency training and obtained certification in internal medicine before starting their fellowship. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), requiring candidates to submit the following documentation:

• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Dean's letter or medical student performance evaluation
• Three letters of recommendation
• Scores from applicable licensure exams
• ECFMG certificate for international graduates
• Original academic transcript

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. It can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that international candidates can fulfill training requirements without visa-related obstacles.

Program Competitiveness

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Geisinger is highly competitive. The program aims to attract quality candidates, including those from both U.S. medical schools and international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific requirements tailored for IMGs include at least one year of recent clinical training in the U.S. and a valid ECFMG certificate. The program seeks to cultivate a diverse cohort of fellows who are dedicated to advancing the field of infectious diseases through clinical excellence, research, and community engagement.

Living and Training Location

Danville, PA, where the Geisinger Medical Center is located, is characterized by a low cost of living, minimal traffic congestion, and access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally, its location is convenient for fellows looking to explore larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C.