Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), part of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, offers an advanced training pathway for future leaders in the field of Allergy and Immunology. This ACGME-accredited fellowship is designed to empower fellows with the clinical, research, and teaching skills necessary to pursue impactful careers in this critical and evolving specialty.

Curriculum Overview

The program's curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive clinical training along with robust research opportunities. The training spans a total of two years, during which fellows engage in extensive clinical rotations early on, then transition to more research-focused activities. The first year emphasizes clinical exposure across various domains including adult and pediatric allergy, asthma management, immunology procedures, and immune deficiency disorders. Fellows participate actively in clinical settings, engaging with diverse patient populations while honing their diagnostic and treatment skills in outpatient and inpatient environments.6

Clinical Rotations

Specific rotations during the fellowship include:

• Severe Asthma Program
• Food Allergy Program
• Drug Allergy and Desensitization Program
• Immunodeficiency Clinics
• Specialized Clinics such as Chronic Rhinosinusitis Disease Program and Angioedema Program

This structured clinical exposure equips fellows with the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to manage a wide range of allergic disorders.

Research Training

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with a focus on developing individualized research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research, basic science studies, and population health research, with access to the resources of the Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases (CIID) at MGH.12 The program is notably supported by NIH and includes participation in ongoing clinical trials exploring novel therapies and diagnostic techniques. A range of research methodologies are available, including cellular and molecular immunology, epidemiology, and clinical effectiveness studies.

Mentorship and Collaboration

Each fellow is assigned a faculty mentor who aids in integrating research into their career development plans. Additionally, involvement in multidisciplinary teams fosters collaboration across specialties such as dermatology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology, enhancing the fellows' learning and research opportunities.8

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the defining features of the fellowship is its close ties to Harvard Medical School and the ability to collaborate with other renowned institutions such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, fostering an environment of academic excellence. The extensive patient base at MGH allows for exposure to rare and complex cases, ensuring that fellows receive a well-rounded training experience.14

Teaching Opportunities

Fellows have opportunities to engage in teaching medical students and residents, further aiding their ability to communicate complex health concepts effectively. This educational component enhances their teaching skills and prepares them for roles in academic medicine.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at MGH is supportive of international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa applicants. Competitive candidates should have completed a residency in pediatrics, internal medicine, or medicine-pediatrics. Essential application components include a completed application form, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a valid ECFMG certificate for international medical graduates. No prior specific experiences in allergy and immunology are required, but candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in the field and a commitment to pursuing an academic career.7

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship is regarded as highly competitive due to its affiliation with a leading academic medical center, its extensive clinical training, and strong emphasis on research. The program actively recruits diverse candidates to ensure a wide range of experiences and insights within the fellowship cohort, thus enhancing collaborative efforts in patient care and research initiatives.5

Clinical and Research Training Sites

The primary training location for the fellowship is Massachusetts General Hospital located in Boston, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and resources for allergy and immunology training. The program also integrates training at the Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center in Waltham, where specific clinics such as the Food Allergy Program and Drug Allergy and Desensitization Program are situated.13

Through its rigorous curriculum, supportive mentorship, and collaborative research environment, the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at MGH aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in allergy and immunology, equipping fellows with the tools necessary to excel in their careers.