TidalHealth Program
Location:
Salisbury, MDSpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1462314001The TidalHealth Infectious Disease Fellowship program offers a comprehensive two-year training experience designed to develop competent infectious disease physicians. The health system, which was previously known as Peninsula Regional Medical Center and was rebranded in 2020, is known for its clinical excellence and community-oriented care. The program recruits one fellow annually, ensuring a focused educational environment with strong mentorship provided by experienced faculty.
The fellowship is deeply integrated into the TidalHealth Richard A. Henson Research Institute, providing fellows with ample opportunities for research and scholarly activities. Each fellow benefits from personalized guidance in pursuing both research interests and career aspirations, reflected in the program's commitment to foster skills in clinical and epidemiological sciences. The objectives of the program include equipping fellows with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in diagnosing, managing, and preventing infectious diseases, along with enhancing research skills in the pertinent fields.
Application Process
To apply to the fellowship, candidates need to complete an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and submit documentation of a USMLE or COMLEX Step 3 score with a minimum passing score of 200. Applicants must present a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. One of these letters should come from the program director of their residency program. Applications are coordinated through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with the program beginning to review applications in October each year 2.
Clinical Training
The clinical training component involves diverse experiences across various settings. Fellows are expected to manage complex infectious diseases in both inpatient and outpatient environments, covering essential areas such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and post-surgical infections. Key training sites include TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and the University of Maryland transplant unit, alongside opportunities at the Nemours Children's Hospital and Anne Arundel Center for OB/GYN interventions 3.
Fellows will also engage with subspecialty areas including wound care, critical care, and hospital epidemiology. Participation in antimicrobial stewardship committees further enhances their expertise in responsible antibiotic management, aimed at minimizing drug resistance. Educational activities like weekly case conferences and journal clubs promote ongoing learning and engagement with current literature in infectious diseases 3.
Curriculum
The curriculum blends rigorous clinical training with opportunities for research. Fellows are afforded four weeks of vacation each year, accommodating important rest and recuperation. Elective rotations are customizable, providing flexibility to delve into additional areas like pathology, radiology, and nutrition, contingent on the approval of the program director 5.
Unique Program Aspects
The fellowship emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare needs in underserved communities. The program aims to prepare fellows to comprehend how infectious diseases can disproportionately affect rural populations. Opportunities for collaboration with institutions such as the University of Maryland and the Anne Arundel Center help enrich fellows' learning experiences through exposure to a wide range of infectious disease challenges 6.
Visa Support
The TidalHealth program offers visa support for international medical graduates. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 visas for fellows who wish to pursue training in the United States, ensuring that qualified candidates have the opportunity to access this advanced educational experience.
Competitiveness and Special Requirements
The TidalHealth Infectious Disease Fellowship is considered competitive; candidates are encouraged to have strong clinical backgrounds and relevant experiences. The program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and medical students from osteopathic programs (DOs), promoting diversity and inclusion. Special application requirements include having recently graduated from their residency program and maintaining a maximum of one failed Step exam, enhancing the caliber of fellowship candidates 4.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
80hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Salisbury, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Salisbury, MD
- Crime Rate and Safety: Salisbury has a moderate crime rate, with efforts taken to improve safety in recent years. It's advisable to check the local crime statistics and take necessary precautions.
- Fun Activities: Salisbury offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating due to its proximity to waterways. There are also cultural events, historic sites, and a variety of dining options.
- Climate: Salisbury experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. It's recommended to be prepared for humidity and occasional tropical storms.
- Races and Population: The population in Salisbury is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities contributing to the local community.
- Education: Salisbury is home to Salisbury University, offering educational opportunities and contributing to the city's cultural scene.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Salisbury is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Salisbury is approximately a 2-hour drive from Baltimore, MD, and a 3-hour drive from Washington, DC. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, proximity to water activities, and access to higher education.
- Cons: Potential for inclement weather due to the humid subtropical climate, moderate crime rate that may require additional safety measures.
Interview Questions
