George Washington University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1461021109Overview 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.
Website
Director
Afsoon Roberts, MDAssoc Prof of Medicine and of Microbiology and Tropical Med Appointed Since September 2008Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$75,418First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
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