Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is designed to provide an in-depth, two-year ACGME accredited clinical training experience, equipping fellows with the skills necessary for a successful career in the field of Infectious Diseases. The program emphasizes a robust combination of clinical practice, research, and education, facilitated under the mentorship of experienced faculty members across various specialized tracks.

Curriculum Overview

The program is structured to include diverse training opportunities, grounded in strong clinical exposure. It primarily operates through major training sites including Froedtert Hospital and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, with additional affiliations with Children's Wisconsin and Vivent Health located in Milwaukee. The curriculum encompasses comprehensive clinical rotations across various settings and topics, including medical, surgical, and transplant infectious diseases, as well as outpatient and consultative care.

Fellowship Tracks

Fellows are encouraged to choose from several specialized tracks as they advance through the first year of training. These tracks include:

• Antimicrobial Stewardship Track: This track trains fellows in the development and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs. The first year focuses on core concepts, while the second year offers in-depth training in managing these programs effectively.
• Gen ID – Clinician Educator/Med Ed Track: Designed for those interested in a career in academic medicine, this track emphasizes clinical rotations tailored to individual interests, along with opportunities for teaching and scholarly work.
• Gen ID – Master Clinician Track: This track aims to prepare fellows for community-based infectious disease practice, focusing on practical aspects of patient care and leadership in quality improvement.

Clinical Rotations

The clinical training includes significant rotations in various clinical environments:

• Froedtert Hospital: Inpatient clinical services, outpatient clinic attendance, and access to specialized programs such as a Hepatitis C clinic and an Antimicrobial Stewardship program.
• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: Offers unique opportunities in microbiology lab work, inpatient consultation, and outpatient settings.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science projects. Areas of ongoing research include immune mechanisms in fungal infections, antimicrobial clinical trials, and epidemiological studies. Fellows receive guidance on developing research projects, enhancing their skills in research methodology, and promoting scholarly output within the infectious diseases domain.

Application Information

The fellowship program is highly competitive and requires candidates to have completed a three-year internal medicine residency in an ACGME-accredited program. Applications are accepted exclusively through ERAS, and selection occurs through the NRMP match. The program offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Competitiveness and Acceptance

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is known for being highly competitive. Candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the residency prerequisites and application requirements. The program values diversity and inclusion and considers various educational backgrounds during the selection process.

Unique Aspects

This program is distinguished not only by its comprehensive curriculum and mentorship opportunities but also by its commitment to fostering a diverse community of medical professionals. With an emphasis on public service, education, and research, fellows develop a holistic understanding of infectious diseases and their impact on the community and healthcare systems.