Nicklaus Children's Hospital Program

Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Overview

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is a two-year post-residency program designed to prepare residents for a specialized career in allergy and immunology. The program's primary aim is to train competent specialists equipped for independent practice and to provide consultations to other medical professionals when necessary. Graduates will emerge prepared for both academic and independent practice avenues, embracing roles as physician-scientists or clinician-educators.

Program Structure

Training comprises a comprehensive curriculum that includes clinical rotations, research activities, and educational sessions mandated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). Each fellow's progression is closely supervised by faculty members who provide essential guidance and educational feedback throughout the training period.

Curriculum Design

First Year

The first-year curriculum focuses on foundational skills necessary for allergy and immunology practices. Fellows engage in patient contact, didactic sessions, and hands-on training, developing abilities in skin testing, pulmonary function testing, and immunotherapy. Educational objectives include understanding the etiology and management of allergic and immunologic disorders as well as mastering relevant laboratory procedures.

Second Year

The second year emphasizes advanced training with more responsibilities and autonomy. Fellows will further enhance their knowledge of pediatric and adult allergic conditions, while also undertaking significant research, with six months dedicated to research projects.

Program Goals and Objectives

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship aims to cultivate specialists who can deliver expert care for patients encountering allergic and immunologic disorders, including asthma, immunodeficiencies, and other conditions. Furthermore, the program seeks to promote continuous learning, encouraging fellows to critically engage with current literature and integrate new findings into their practices.

Clinical Rotations and Research

Fellows participate in longitudinal clinical rotations at various sites, including Cleveland Clinic Florida, where they manage a diverse patient population with both pediatric and adult patients. Additionally, fellows are expected to undertake an Adult Elective rotation in the second year and experience various adult allergy specialties. Research is an integral component of the program, with fellows expected to dedicate substantial time to research projects aimed at contributing to the field of allergy and immunology.

Clinical Competency Committee

The Clinical Competency Committee (CCC), in accordance with ACGME guidelines, actively monitors fellow performance. Comprised of faculty members, the CCC conducts semi-annual meetings to review and assess each fellow's progress and to design individualized improvement plans as necessary. This ongoing feedback system serves as a framework to ensure fellows meet their educational milestones and develop the necessary competencies.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible candidates for the fellowship must have completed a minimum of three years in a pediatric residency or four years in a Med-Peds residency at an ACGME-accredited institution. The program accepts U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents, or international applicants holding a J-1 Visa. Experience with patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, recurrent infections, or other specified conditions is highly encouraged.

Visa Support

Nicklaus Children's Hospital offers visa sponsorship for candidates holding a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, ensuring that international applicants can receive the best training in the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the ERAS system, and typically only one fellow is selected for the program each year, starting each July. It is advisable for applicants to demonstrate prior experience in allergy and immunology symptoms align with the program's focus areas.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is considered competitive due to its thorough training and diverse clinical exposure. Moreover, the program is friendly to candidates from DO backgrounds and those who are International Medical Graduates (IMGs), fostering an inclusive application atmosphere.