George Washington University Program

Overview of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship at George Washington University

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the George Washington University (GWU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences is designed to provide fellows with an extensive and well-rounded education in the field of infectious diseases. Located in Washington, D.C., the program benefits from an unique position that allows access to a diverse patient population within both the GW Hospital and the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DC-VAMC). The fellowship emphasizes both inpatient and outpatient care and offers fellows the chance to manage common and complex infectious diseases, including tropical infections due to the city's demographic and epidemiological diversity.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows will gain significant clinical experience through rotations at GW Hospital and DC-VAMC, where they will encounter a wide variety of infectious diseases including HIV, endocarditis, pneumonia, and tropical diseases such as Chikungunya and dengue fever. Additionally, fellows rotate through several notable institutions:

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): A partnership with NIAID allows fellows to participate in consults and gain exposure to rare infectious diseases.
• INOVA Fairfax Hospital: Provides specialized training in transplant infectious diseases.
• HIV/Infectious Diseases Clinic at GW: This clinic sees approximately 1200 patients with HIV, providing valuable continuity clinic experience. The program features a small trainee-to-faculty ratio, promoting individualized mentorship and support throughout the fellowship. This close interaction with faculty allows for robust educational opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of infectious conditions.

Didactic and Research Opportunities

The fellowship encompasses a comprehensive didactic curriculum including:

• Weekly didactic lectures and case conferences.
• Journal clubs where fellows present key articles of interest.
• A focused microbiology course at the nearby NIH, facilitating extensive learning and networking in the field. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research as well, working closely with faculty and pursuing projects that align with their interests, fostering both personal and professional development.

Leadership and Educational Experience

Fellows are called upon to enhance their leadership and teaching skills by presenting lectures and engaging in hospital infection control activities. This involvement ensures that fellows not only attain clinical expertise but also develop the pedagogic skills necessary to educate future generations of medical professionals.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency and be board-certified or board-eligible. The program only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and candidates must also register with the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). The fellowship is highly competitive, and while it seeks qualified applicants, it is considered welcoming to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). International applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency and hold ECFMG certification. Additionally, the program only sponsors individuals on J1 visas, which clearly establishes limits on the types of visa support available.

Structure and Sample Rotations

The fellowship spans two years, with substantial clinical duties structured throughout:

• First Year:
• Eight months of clinical wards divided between GW Hospital and DC-VAMC.
• Approximately 8-10 weeks allocated towards research activities.
• Various vacation periods to ensure fellows maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Second Year:
• More concentrated research time complemented with clinical responsibilities and potential elective opportunities. Fellows are expected to balance patient care responsibilities while actively engaging in research initiatives. During the second year, research is a primary focus, with fellows encouraged to develop abstracts and manuscripts for presentation and publication.

Other Program Advantages

The program offers each fellow funding to attend one national meeting annually, typically leading to opportunities to present research findings at prestigious conferences such as those organized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). By integrating clinical excellence with academic inquiry, the Infectious Disease Fellowship at GWU lays a solid foundation for careers in academic medicine, private practice, or specialized infectious disease research.