Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital Program

Program Overview

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital offers an immersive experience for those dedicated to the field of infectious diseases. This program is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and skills required to excel in clinical practice and research within this specialized area. This two-year fellowship provides extensive exposure to a variety of infectious disease cases, enabling fellows to learn directly from experienced faculty members.

The fellowship comprises a collaborative team consisting of clinicians, teachers, mentors, and researchers who guide the fellows in their training and professional development. The faculty includes nine infectious disease specialists and an ID pharmacist, each with diverse backgrounds and expertise, enhancing the learning environment.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship is tailored to meet the interests and needs of the fellows. Trainees spend time in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring a well-rounded clinical experience.

During their first year, fellows rotate through Microbiology, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Infection Prevention, alongside a component involving independent research and quality improvement projects guided by faculty mentors. First-year fellows gain experience in a dedicated Fellow rounding service as well as participate in various activities aimed at enhancing their clinical knowledge.

The second year includes unique opportunities, such as rotations at Henry Ford Health on the ID Solid Organ Transplant service, alongside participation in clinics addressing sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis at Wayne State University. Additionally, fellows can opt for a funded elective in Nepal, experiencing infectious disease care in an international context.

Educational Support

Fellows have access to robust educational support, including coverage of membership fees for professional organizations and online courses related to infectious diseases. Attendance at conferences such as ID Week, SHEA, and CROI is encouraged, with funding provided for travel and registration costs.

Each fellow receives essential resources like the classic Mandell textbook and the CDC's “Yellow Book.” Moreover, the second-year fellows are funded for a board review course, ensuring comprehensive preparation for board certification exams.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a significant role in the fellowship experience, with fellows expected to engage actively. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly activity, encouraging fellows to present their work at national conferences such as SHEA and IDSA, thus fostering professional development and networking.

Global ID Rotation

A distinctive feature of the fellowship is the global health initiative, which includes collaboration with the Patan Academy of Health Sciences in Nepal, where the first Infectious Diseases Fellowship program was established. Fellows have the opportunity to rotate through various prestigious healthcare facilities in Nepal, gaining experience in a global health environment.

Application Process

The application for this fellowship must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), where only one fellow is accepted each academic year. Eligible candidates must have completed an ACGME or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency.

Applicants should include essential materials, such as three letters of recommendation (one from the Program Director), a personal statement, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and the medical school transcript. Interviews are conducted virtually, typically from September through October.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants and has provisions for visa sponsorship, which can include H-1B or J-1 visas, facilitating the entry of foreign medical graduates into the fellowship. This inclusiveness contributes to creating a diverse learning environment.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

This fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting a substantial number of applicants each year. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and significant commitment to the field, ensuring that only those best suited for the challenges of infectious disease training are selected.

Particularly, applicants who have completed internal medicine residencies within the last few years or who have strong connections to their residency programs tend to have an advantage in the application process.