Memorial Healthcare System (Hollywood, Florida) Program

The Memorial Healthcare System Infectious Disease Fellowship Program is integrated within one of the largest public healthcare systems in the United States, based in South Florida. Its training environment supports a broad and comprehensive approach to infectious diseases, immunocompromised infections, and HIV/AIDS through a community-based program. The fellowship is located primarily at Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Regional Hospital, which collectively serve a large and diverse patient population seeking care for various infectious diseases.

The program emphasizes clinical exposure and academic rigor, featuring a combination of teaching faculty from both university and community backgrounds. This unique hybrid environment fosters a collaborative approach to training, ensuring that fellows gain experience in both clinical service and academic pursuits. Clinical volume is significant, with both hospitals serving over 1,000 inpatient beds and receiving more than 200,000 emergency department visits annually. This diverse clinical setting includes a notable proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS and tropical diseases associated with travel and immigration, allowing fellows to develop expertise in managing complex, real-world cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to provide various clinical experiences through inpatient and ambulatory rotations. Inpatient consult services are conducted at both Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Regional Hospital, covering general infectious disease management as well as infections associated with hematological malignancies and solid organ transplants. Specific training in the ambulatory setting takes place at the Memorial Physician Group Infectious Diseases Clinic, offering hands-on experience in general ID consults, HIV medicine, and transplant infectious disease care.

Research and academic activities are integral to the program, with opportunities to engage in quality improvement (QI) projects, scholarly research, and policy development. Weekly conferences, including microbiology sessions and journal clubs, provide a venue for academic discussion and collaborative learning among fellows and faculty.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Active participation in research is expected as part of the program's commitment to academic excellence. The program supports fellows in their research endeavors, with an Office of Human Research and assistance from dedicated personnel for research development and Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions. Training in QI and patient safety initiatives further enhances the fellows' abilities to contribute to improving clinical practices.

Unique Aspects

One of the distinguishing features of the fellowship is its emphasis on institution-wide policy and protocol development through the Infection Prevention and Control Program and the Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Fellows will have the opportunity to shape practices that enhance patient care quality and safety across the healthcare system.

Additionally, the fellowship's small size allows for a personalized training experience where fellows can build strong relationships with faculty and colleagues, enhancing mentorship and peer support.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program sponsors J1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates. Prospective candidates must meet specific application requirements, including passing scores in Steps 1, 2, and 3 of USMLE or COMLEX and must have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency within the last three years. A complete list of application materials is mandated, including the medical school transcript, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and ECFMG certification for foreign graduates.

Competitiveness

The program is characterized as being competitive, reflecting its focus on delivering high-quality education and comprehensive training in the infectious disease domain. Candidates are encouraged to present strong clinical backgrounds and recommendations to bolster their applications, aligning with the program's goal of training skilled and knowledgeable clinicians.

Training Sites

Fellows will primarily train at Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Regional Hospital. Memorial Hospital West is a comprehensive facility that includes a dedicated hematology and oncology service, while Memorial Regional Hospital serves as a flagship facility with advanced medical capabilities.

Community and Lifestyle

Training in South Florida also offers a lifestyle enriched by cultural diversity, beautiful weather, and numerous recreational opportunities, enhancing the overall fellowship experience.