Hackensack University Medical Center Program

The Infectious Disease Fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center offers a comprehensive two-year training program designed to provide in-depth exposure to both inpatient and outpatient infectious diseases. This program emphasizes training in various specialized areas including immunocompromised host populations, pediatric infections, chronic outpatient infections, and antibiotic management. The program prides itself on its commitment to clinical excellence and offers fellows a strong educational foundation in antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and clinical microbiology and virology.

Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the largest teaching affiliates of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, serves as the primary training site for this fellowship. This 775-bed facility is renowned for its diverse pathology, providing fellows with the opportunity to encounter cases ranging from common urinary tract infections and pneumonias to complex cases such as multidrug-resistant infections and those arising in transplant patients. The environment is fostering, encouraging fellows to take on increasing responsibilities throughout their training, including opportunities to teach medical students and junior fellows while engaging in bioethics and performance improvement activities 1.

Curriculum Overview

Over the course of the two-year fellowship, fellows engage in a robust curriculum that encompasses various clinical rotations and conferences. The first year of the fellowship includes 28 weeks on the Infectious Diseases Consultation Service, providing substantial clinical experience. Each fellow spends time on the Immunocompromised Host Consultation Service, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, and in the microbiology/virology lab. The emphasis on research is evident—fellows have dedicated research weeks and a continuity clinic throughout the program, integrating outpatient and inpatient experiences 4.

First Year Structure

The first year is structured as follows: Infectious Diseases Consultation Service—28 weeks, Immunocompromised Host Consultation Service—4 weeks, Antimicrobial Stewardship—4 weeks, Infection Prevention and Control—4 weeks, Microbiology/Virology Lab—4 weeks, Research—4 weeks, and Vacation—4 weeks.

Second Year Structure

In the second year, the focus shifts slightly to allow for prolonged research involvement, with 12 weeks dedicated to research, alongside 24 weeks on the Infectious Disease Consultation Service, an option for the Immunocompromised Host Consultation Service, and opportunities for electives 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship. Fellows are allocated protected time for scholarly activities and can collaborate with faculty on clinical or quality improvement projects. The Center for Discovery and Innovation offers unique opportunities for translational and basic science research, particularly relevant given the center's focus on drug-resistant infections 4. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the center has played an essential role in developing diagnostics and treatment strategies.

Training and Education

The program provides structured educational conferences that include clinical, interdisciplinary, and morbidity and mortality rounds. Additionally, there are specific seminars on performance improvement, bioethics, and resident education. This supportive and collaborative educational environment also allows fellows to participate in activities with pharmacists and residents from other specialties 4.

Application and Competitiveness

The application process for the fellowship consists of a single available slot each year, primarily targeting candidates with a significant passion for infectious diseases. Hackensack University Medical Center sponsors J-1 visas, supporting international medical graduates in their pursuit of training. While the program has a specific focus on candidates who have demonstrated strong engagement in infectious diseases, it is considered to be accessible for both MD and DO applicants, as well as international medical graduates 2. Special attention may be given to aspects such as year of graduation and the number of failed STEP exams as part of the application review process.

Fellowship Faculty

The fellowship is led by a distinguished faculty with extensive experience in educating future healthcare professionals. Faculty members are involved in various aspects of infectious disease, including HIV disease, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and infections in immunocompromised patients. This direct access to knowledgeable mentors enriches the fellow's learning experience and fosters professional growth 3.

Training Location and Facilities

Hackensack University Medical Center is strategically located in suburban Bergen County, New Jersey, close to New York City. As a leading academic hospital, it is part of a larger 13-hospital network that facilitates a wide range of medical referrals and experiences. The well-equipped facility includes modern ICUs and hosts an array of specialized programs, including one of the country's largest cancer centers and renal transplant units 1.