McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Overview

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is designed to cultivate physician-scholars by providing comprehensive clinical, scientific, and teaching training within the field of pediatric infectious diseases. This fellowship is situated at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, along with the highly regarded Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, enabling fellows to engage in a rich educational experience involving both common and rare infectious diseases.

The fellowship spans a total of three years, with the first year predominantly focused on clinical experience, followed by two years dedicated to mentored research initiatives. This structure allows fellows to gain foundational clinical skills while fostering independent scholarship through novel research projects which culminate in publications and presentations at prominent conferences.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is elaborately crafted to ensure comprehensive training in various disciplines relevant to infectious diseases, including microbiology, immunology, virology, clinical pharmacology, and epidemiology. The first year of the training consists of approximately 40 weeks of service on the inpatient consult team, providing direct clinical care and exposure to a diverse patient population.

In subsequent years, fellows continue to engage in outpatient clinical experiences and have the chance to instruct pediatric residents and medical students on infectious disease topics. Didactic sessions are held frequently, including microbiology lectures and a monthly journal club to discuss contemporary research within the field.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship experience, with a strong emphasis on providing fellows with a robust scholarly environment. Fellows are encouraged to develop research projects with the guidance of experienced mentors selected from the extensive faculty network at Feinberg and affiliated organizations. The program also facilitates access to collaborative research initiatives and funding opportunities.

Additionally, fellows can partake in a funded, research-intensive fourth year to further establish themselves within the field, maximizing their prospects for early career success and obtaining grants in their future academic endeavors.

Teaching and Leadership Development

The fellowship program prioritizes the development of teaching skills, as fellows are routinely tasked with educating and mentoring pediatric residents during their rotations. Opportunities for leadership training are provided through department-wide seminars designed to enhance skills in job negotiation, research design, and overall wellness in medical practice.

Diversity and Inclusion

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, which enhances the learning experience for all trainees. The fellowship program actively seeks motivated individuals from varied backgrounds, ensuring that the training setting reflects the diverse communities that fellows will eventually serve.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in pediatrics or equivalent training, and be board-eligible in general pediatrics. In addition, non-U.S. citizens must secure a valid visa to work in the United States, with various visa types available for sponsorship.

The application process is highly competitive, and only qualified candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to pediatric infectious diseases will be invited to interview and visit the program.