Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program

Program Overview

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program at Brown University Health, associated with Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital, is a prestigious two-year post-residency training designed to provide in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of allergy and immunology. This fellowship prepares trainees for board certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), which is recognized under both the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine. The program also accommodates those interested in certification from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Each year, the program recruits one fellow who has completed residency training in either internal medicine, pediatrics, or medicine/pediatrics. The training is structured to ensure comprehensive clinical competence in managing both routine and complex allergic and immunologic disorders across different age groups.

Fellowship Curriculum

The curriculum within the fellowship emphasizes enhancing clinical skills, medical knowledge, professionalism, and communication abilities. Fellows will actively engage in patient care while also participating in various didactic and clinical teaching opportunities. Specific areas of focus in the curriculum include:

• Comprehensive clinical training in the evaluation and management of allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylaxis.
• In-depth exposure to immunologic disorders and their management in both children and adults.
• Opportunities for research, enabling fellows to engage in scholarly activities while presenting findings in academic settings.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will participate in diverse clinical rotations that include:

• Working closely with experts at the Pediatric Respiratory and Immunology Center, where they will treat a wide range of conditions such as allergic skin disorders, asthma, drug allergies, food allergies, and primary immunodeficiency disorders.
• Gaining experience in various clinical settings, including outpatient clinics and inpatient consultations, ensuring a well-rounded clinical exposure.

Research Focus

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to engage in projects that aim to advance the understanding and treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders. Areas may include:

• Investigating ethnic and racial disparities in conditions such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.
• Participating in clinical trials related to emerging therapies in allergy and immunology.

Training Sites

The training takes place primarily at the Rhode Island Hospital and at Hasbro Children's Hospital, renowned for their comprehensive approach to pediatric allergy and immunology. These facilities provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic resources, ensuring fellows have access to cutting-edge practices in the field.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international fellows. The types of visas sponsored typically include H-1B and J-1 visas, which are commonly utilized for medical training programs in the United States. The program guidance helps ensure that international fellows have the necessary support throughout their visa application process.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Brown University is considered moderately competitive, attracting a variety of applicants from diverse backgrounds, including MD, DO, and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is committed to diversity and inclusion, making it accessible and welcoming to applicants from various educational backgrounds.

Application Requirements

Applicants should bear in mind the following special application requirements:

• A completed residency in internal medicine or pediatrics.
• Inquiries into the candidate's medical school graduation year, ensuring applicants are within a certain period post-graduation.
• Consideration of candidates based on performance in standardized examinations, such as the USMLE or COMLEX, with specific attention to maximum allowable failed attempts.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship stands out for several reasons:

• Access to a wide range of clinical patient populations, allowing fellows to gain experience with varied clinical presentations.
• A robust mentorship program that connects fellows with experienced allergists and immunologists, enhancing their educational and professional growth.
• Engagement in community outreach initiatives, promoting awareness of allergy and immunology disorders, contributing positively to the health of the community.