New York-Presbyterian/Queens Program

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens is fully accredited by the ACGME and aims to train the next generation of clinicians and clinical researchers in the field of infectious diseases. The mission of the program is to prepare fellows for clinical practice, teaching, and clinical investigation related to the pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment of infectious diseases in adult patients. Trainees are equipped with the skills necessary to instruct medical students, residents, and active physicians in clinical infectious diseases practices.

The fellowship offers four positions, two of which are designated for each of the PGY-4 and PGY-5 levels. The program is recognized for its commitment to promoting a lifelong career in infectious diseases through a comprehensive clinical experience that encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings, along with a robust foundation in clinical investigation. This is reiterated in the words of the program leadership who emphasize the value of a diverse and enriching clinical experience combined with academic rigor.1

Eligibility and Application Process

Prospective applicants to the Infectious Diseases Fellowship must meet specific requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency (Green Card), J1 visa, or H1 visa sponsorship. Candidates are required to complete a three-year accredited Internal Medicine program in the United States and must be board eligible or certified in Internal Medicine. Applications are accepted through the ERAS system, and the selection process integrates evaluation of academic performance, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide a rigorous training experience across various clinical environments. It encompasses the following components:2

• Inpatient Consultations: Fellows partake in thirteen months of inpatient consultations, with 9.5 months dedicated to the first year, on an active service responsible for 90-100 consultations monthly across hospital services.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP): Five months are allocated to actively participate in the ASP, where fellows oversee appropriate antibiotic utilization based on clinical data.
• Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Unit: Six months of focused outpatient care where fellows manage ID care, including antibiotic selection and care coordination.
• Continuity Outpatient Clinical Experience: Over two years, fellows gain experience in a Special Care Center designated for HIV care, engaging with over 800 HIV-infected patients.
• Research Opportunities: Five dedicated months for research under the supervision of the program's Research Director, where fellows engage in productive clinical and basic science research.3

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellows are encouraged to publish a minimum of three to four peer-reviewed journal articles annually and to present their research at various professional meetings, including international conferences. The engagement in research not only fosters academic growth but also enhances fellows' credentials in the field of infectious diseases. They are supported by a strong mentorship framework consisting of experienced faculty members who guide them through the research process.

Training Sites and Facilities

The program utilizes various training sites, allowing fellows to experience a spectrum of clinical scenarios. A notable facility is the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Unit, which provides a high-quality and convenient option for patients requiring intravenous treatment outside traditional hospital settings. This unit serves over 70 patients daily and offers a variety of services, from administering medications to coordinating follow-up care with specialists, thereby enabling a comprehensive learning experience for fellows.4

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty at the program consists of experienced clinicians and researchers who are deeply committed to education and mentorship. The program's community fosters an environment of collaboration and professional growth, essential for the development of competent infectious disease specialists.3

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for J1 and H1 visa types, making it accessible and accommodating for international medical graduates. The competitiveness of the fellowship is notable, as it aims to select candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance and a passion for the field of infectious diseases. The training environment is viewed as supportive for both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates.