Harlem Hospital Center Program

Welcome to the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program at Harlem Hospital Center, part of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. This program offers a comprehensive two-year fellowship experience specifically designed for training specialists in the field of Infectious Diseases. It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and aims to provide fellows with a solid foundation for their future careers in clinical practice or academic medicine.

The core curriculum of the program is meticulously structured to prepare fellows for the American Board of Infectious Diseases Certification. Trainees will engage with a thorough training approach that encompasses varied aspects of infectious diseases, including the assessment and management of patients with infections, continuity of care for outpatient cases, and the foundation for conducting clinical research. The program encourages a balanced approach to learning while ensuring the mental and physical wellbeing of the fellows, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Program Goals

The goals of the fellowship are geared towards developing competent Infectious Disease specialists capable of providing high-quality care. The curriculum emphasizes the following:

• Assessing and managing patients with infections
• Continuity care for outpatients
• Designing and conducting clinical research
• Developing appropriate documentation and teaching skills

Curriculum and Rotations

During the course of training, each fellow will participate in nine months of consultation service and two months of research each year. The core components of the curriculum include:

• Inpatient Infectious Diseases Consultation Service: This service includes daily teaching rounds with case discussions and evaluations involving consultations from various departments including Medical, Surgical, and Emergency Medicine.
• HIV Consultation Service: Fellows will engage in weekly outpatient clinic sessions, providing continuity care to patients and discussing their management strategies.
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases Rotation: A four-week rotation focusing on various aspects of pediatric infectious diseases, enriching fellows’ exposure to comprehensive care.
• Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Rotation: This two-week experience allows fellows to gain hands-on experience with diagnostic tests under the supervision of laboratory directors.
• Infectious Diseases Rotation in Cancer Services: Another critical rotation during the second year that focuses on infectious complications in cancer patients, enhancing fellows’ knowledge in treating immunocompromised hosts.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a vital component of the program, and fellows are encouraged to engage in ongoing research activities within the infectious diseases division. Each fellow will have four months of protected time dedicated to scholarly activities, aimed at developing their research skills and contributing to the field. Trainees develop individual research projects which they are expected to present and submit for publication. Participation in performance improvement (PI) and quality assurance (QA) projects is a required component, where fellows contribute to enhancing patient care.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a rich faculty roster, including full-time and part-time professionals who are committed to training the next generation of Infectious Disease specialists. Each fellow is paired with mentors who guide them throughout their training experience, ensuring they receive both academic and professional support as they navigate their fellowship journey.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program is competitive and considers candidates from diverse medical backgrounds, including U.S. MDs, DOs, and international medical graduates (IMGs). It is crucial that candidates maintain a strong academic record and exhibit potential for clinical excellence. The program provides visa support and can sponsor J-1 visas for eligible international fellows.

In terms of application requirements, the program typically expects fellows to have graduated from medical school no longer than five years ago and advises maintaining no more than one failure across any USMLE Step exams. Candidates are encouraged to present a strong clinical portfolio, highlighting relevant experiences in infectious diseases and related fields.