Tower Health Program

The program offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship training in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It is designed to provide fellows with an in-depth understanding of infectious diseases in pediatric populations while preparing them for a future in academic and clinical settings. The program is facilitated by three full-time, board-certified pediatric infectious diseases faculty and a dedicated team, including a PhD-level director of microbiology and virology and a full-time ID pharmacist.

Mission Statement

The mission of the program is to provide optimal care and prevention for infectious diseases among a diverse and socioeconomically challenged population located in North Philadelphia. The program recognizes the critical roles pediatric infectious disease specialists play in clinical healthcare, research, and public health. It aims to foster a spirit of inquiry, professional development, and contributions to the field of infectious diseases among its fellows.

Clinical Education

Fellows engage in infectious diseases consultative care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, allowing them to gain extensive subspecialty education. The clinical experience includes exposure to common infectious diseases, as well as complex and unusual infections, especially those associated with patients in special programs such as Oncology, Cardiology, and Pulmonology. The program has robust diagnostic laboratories for microbiology and virology, guided by doctorate-level leadership that integrates clinical, educational, and research activities.

Training Structure

In this program, fellows will spend substantial clinical time on both the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Inpatient Consult service and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Outpatient clinic. Furthermore, fellows will be involved in the hospital’s Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention Programs, ensuring a well-rounded training experience.

Research and Leadership Education

The program places a strong emphasis on research, which is tailored to each fellow’s career aspirations and begins in the first year. Mentorship from faculty is a cornerstone of the program, where experienced faculty guide fellows in various investigative domains, including but not limited to molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial stewardship, epidemiology, and public health research. There are additional resources available through Drexel University for those seeking further research opportunities and graduate studies.

Application Process

Applications for the program must be submitted through ERAS. After a thorough review of the application and letters of recommendation, selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited Pediatric Residency and be eligible for the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certifying examination in Pediatrics. Additionally, successful completion of all three steps of the USMLE is mandatory, along with submission of three letters of recommendation. For foreign medical graduates, possession of a valid ECFMG certificate is required. The program can provide sponsorship for U.S. J-1 or H-1B Visas, and applicants must either be U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or hold valid visas.

Competitiveness

The program is considered highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants. Being friendly towards candidates from both DO and IMG backgrounds, it emphasizes the importance of a strong academic and clinical foundation, as well as research interests relevant to the field.

Faculty

The program boasts a distinguished faculty including experts in pediatrics and infectious diseases. Faculty members are dedicated to providing high-quality education and mentorship to fellows, helping them navigate the complexities of clinical care and research in pediatric infectious diseases.