Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program
Location:
Phoenix, AZSpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1460314220The Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix, Arizona, is structured as a two-year program providing extensive exposure to a wide array of infectious diseases management. The program is designed for individuals who have completed three years of postgraduate training in an accredited internal medicine residency program and are seeking to deepen their expertise in infectious diseases.
Mayo Clinic is recognized as a leading tertiary care institution in the United States, known for its commitment to exceptional patient care, education, and research. This fellowship offers trainees robust clinical experience with a diverse patient population, including those from Arizona, other regions in the U.S., and internationally 1.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum emphasizes both clinical practice and research. Fellows engage in rotations across various services, which include General Infectious Diseases and Transplant Infectious Diseases. They receive additional experience through external rotations at notable healthcare facilities such as the Maricopa County TB and STI clinics and Phoenix Children's Hospital 2.
Within the two-year structure, fellows participate in continuity clinic experiences at both the Valleywise Community Health Center and the Infectious Diseases Continuity Clinic located on the Mayo Campus. These clinics provide comprehensive care to a variety of patients, including those living with HIV and transplant recipients 3.
Didactic and Conference Training
The fellowship incorporates a strong didactic component through various formats, including seminars, small discussion groups, and case-based teaching. Conferences that fellows can attend include journal clubs, morbidity and mortality sessions, and various monthly academic presentations 4. The program also encourages participation in local, regional, and national meetings, where fellows must present research outcomes at least once during their fellowship tenure.
Research Opportunities
Research plays a significant role in the program, with fellows receiving five months of protected research time to pursue clinical projects. They are expected to identify research mentors early in the fellowship and aim to present findings at national or international conferences and submit manuscripts for publication. The research fields cover a variety of infectious disease topics such as COVID-19, fecal microbiota transplantation, and coccidioidomycosis, among others 5.
Teaching and Evaluation
Fellows are actively involved in teaching internal medicine residents and medical students through bedside instruction and formal lectures. Their performance is evaluated regularly by faculty, ensuring that they meet educational and clinical benchmarks. Moreover, fellows are strongly encouraged to provide feedback on their educational needs to continuously enhance the program's instructional quality 6.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The fellowship admits two fellows per year on a competitive basis. Candidates must possess completed postgraduate training in an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency program. Additionally, there may be specific considerations such as graduation year and maximum failed STEP exams, though detailed restrictions were not specified 7.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, which typically includes support for J-1 and H-1B visa applications. This facilitates a more inclusive environment for diverse candidates seeking to gain advanced training at Mayo Clinic 8.
Unique Aspects
Notably, this fellowship is the only ACGME-accredited infectious diseases program in the Phoenix area, enhancing its attractiveness to prospective applicants 1. The extensive faculty from the Division of Infectious Diseases are recognized leaders and mentors, providing fellows with opportunities to engage in pioneering research and attend enlightening lectures by visiting professors throughout the year 9.
Alumni Endorsements
Current and former fellows have expressed high regard for the training and educational opportunities offered through this fellowship. Many alumni emphasize the collaborative, supportive culture fostered by both faculty and peers, which significantly contributes to their professional development and preparedness for future careers in infectious diseases 10.
Website
Director
Sandhya Nagarakanti, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,337First 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:
-Location
Phoenix, AZ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ is the capital and largest city in Arizona. Here is an overview of what living in Phoenix is like:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Phoenix has a moderately high crime rate compared to the national average. It is essential to be cautious and practice safety measures, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Phoenix offers a wide range of activities such as hiking in the desert, visiting museums, exploring the botanical gardens, enjoying the food scene, and attending various cultural events.
- Climate: Phoenix has a hot desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. Be prepared for temperatures well over 100°F in the summer months.
- Races and Population: Phoenix is known for its diverse population with a mix of White, Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Native American residents.
- Education: Phoenix has a variety of educational opportunities including universities, colleges, and schools. The University of Arizona and Arizona State University are among the well-known institutions in the area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Phoenix is slightly below the national average, making it a relatively affordable place to reside in compared to other major cities.
- Nearby Big Cities: Tucson is about 2 hours away from Phoenix by car. Tucson is known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful desert landscapes.
Pros: Diverse population, affordable cost of living, vast educational opportunities.
Cons: High summer temperatures, moderately high crime rate in certain areas.
Interview Questions
