SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the Children's Hospital at SUNY Downstate offers a comprehensive three-year program accredited by the ACGME. This fellowship aims to cultivate expertise in pediatric infectious diseases through a blend of clinical training and research opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship is structured with one year of intensive clinical training, which includes a month-long rotation in adult infectious diseases. During this year, fellows engage directly with patients, gaining valuable hands-on experience at both University Hospital at Downstate and Kings County Hospital Medical Center.

The subsequent two years are primarily dedicated to research, allowing fellows to utilize 80% of their time towards research activities. During this phase, fellows are provided with training in research methodologies, biostatistics, epidemiology, and grant writing. The program also supports fellows' participation in obtaining a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree through SUNY Downstate's School of Public Health.

Clinical Rotations and Experiences

Fellows benefit from exposure to a variety of clinical experiences. The program collaborates with the Division of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Medicine to hold regular research and clinical conferences along with journal clubs. This collaboration enriches the clinical learning environment.

Key areas of focus within the Division include the epidemiology and treatment of chlamydial infections, sexually transmitted infections, immunology, antibiotic resistance, and the role of various infections in pediatric asthma. Fellows also involve themselves in current clinical research projects that explore the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of strains of bacteria affecting children.

Research Opportunities

The research environment of the fellowship is robust, guided by a team of five faculty members dedicated to various interests. The active Chlamydia Research Laboratory plays a vital role in the fellows' research experience. Research efforts have included studies on the epidemiology of community-acquired MRSA in children and the effect of cigarette smoke on pneumonia infections, among other relevant topics.

Training Sites

The training primarily occurs at the Children's Hospital at SUNY Downstate and Kings County Hospital, providing fellows a rich clinical experience with diverse patient populations. The close proximity of these hospitals allows for seamless rotation and the sharing of resources and faculty.

Application Requirements

Applicants for this fellowship are required to have completed a three-year residency in Pediatrics and should hold board eligibility or certification from the American Board of Pediatrics. It is essential to submit a completed application including at least three letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining career goals and interests in pediatric infectious diseases.

Additional application details highlight the necessity for candidates, if international medical graduates, to provide a valid ECFMG certificate or proof of visa status and eligibility to work in the United States. The program can sponsor J-1 visas for international fellows.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The fellowship is known for being competitive, attracting a broad range of applicants from various backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere that values diversity and inclusivity.