Tulane University Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1462121105The Tulane University Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience that cultivates fellows to become proficient clinicians, educators, and researchers in the field of infectious diseases. The mission emphasizes compassion, social consciousness, and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that each fellow's individual career goals are prioritized throughout training. The program incorporates a robust mix of clinical experiences, didactic teaching, scholarly activity, and mentorship, providing a solid foundation of knowledge while allowing flexibility for specialization in various infectious disease domains.
The structure of the fellowship spans a two-year curriculum. The first year is dedicated to establishing essential clinical competencies, while the second year focuses on specific areas of interest, including HIV medicine, tropical medicine, healthcare epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention. Fellows are afforded opportunities to engage in various research and clinical simulations to enhance expertise in their chosen competencies. For instance, fellows may elect to complete coursework that prepares them for the Certificate of Knowledge in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Traveler’s Health (CTropMed®) through the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
The program is known for its diversity of clinical cases and its setting in New Orleans, which features significant health disparities. Graduates of the fellowship have successfully transitioned into varied professional roles within academia, private practice, public health, and infection control, showcasing the program's capacity to equip fellows with the necessary skill sets for various career trajectories.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum ensures that fellows gain proficiency in clinical care, research methodologies, and health advocacy.1 The first year includes essential clinical rotations in inpatient and outpatient infectious disease settings, focusing on experiences such as HIV care and the management of tropical diseases. In the second year, fellows are encouraged to engage in focus tracks that align with their interests, enabling them to gain depth in areas such as transplant infectious disease or global health.
Research Opportunities
Tulane's Infectious Diseases Fellowship provides numerous avenues for research engagement. The program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across the Tulane National Primate Research Center, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Fellows may take part in clinical and epidemiological research related to diseases like tuberculosis, mycobacterial infections, and malaria.2 Research training can be further complemented by earning a Certificate in Clinical Research during the fellowship's second year, ensuring that participants leave the program with valuable research expertise.
Training Sites
Fellows rotate through multiple affiliated hospitals, including Tulane Medical Center and other local health systems, which increases exposure to diverse patient populations and infectious diseases typical in urban settings.3 This array of clinical environments fosters a rich learning experience that highlights the complexities of public health issues.
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The program accepts international medical graduates and supports J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.4 However, it should be noted that H-1B visa applications are not accepted, thus applicants should ensure that they meet the necessary visa requirements when applying.
Competitive selection for the fellowship emphasizes board eligibility in Internal Medicine and a commitment to the field of Infectious Diseases. The applicant review process takes into account a holistic view centered on not only academic achievements but also contributions to equity and diversity initiatives within healthcare settings.5
Application Requirements
Applicants to the Tulane Infectious Diseases Fellowship must be board-certified or board-eligible in Internal Medicine. Applications are processed via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate fully in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The program encourages all candidates who might face challenges during their application due to COVID-19-related changes to apply without hesitance, emphasizing that these factors will not adversely affect their applications.6
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Tulane Infectious Diseases Fellowship stands out because of its focus on the health disparities prevalent in New Orleans. The program is committed to training fellows in understanding social determinants of health and advocating for underrepresented populations, as exemplified by its initiatives within the HIV Outpatient Program.7 Additionally, the incorporation of health equity and social justice themes into the curriculum fosters cultural competency among fellows, equipping them to address the unique healthcare needs of diverse communities.
Fellows also participate in ongoing conferences and seminars, enhancing their knowledge base and networking with industry leaders. Weekly sessions cover various infectious disease topics, and city-wide conferences facilitate collaboration with physicians across multiple institutions.8
Website
Director
Erin Boswell, MD, MScAssistant Professor of Medicine Appointed Since March 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$64,145First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
