UMass Chan - Baystate Program
Location:
Springfield, MASpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1462411061The Infectious Disease Fellowship program at UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate is a two-year training program established in 1985, designed for those who have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine or combined medicine-pediatrics. This fellowship offers a well-structured approach focused on comprehensive training across various aspects of infectious disease practice, combining both clinical expertise and academic support.
The program prides itself on a fellow-centric and clinically-oriented curriculum, ensuring that educational experiences align with the individual career aspirations of its participants. A unique aspect of the fellowship is the high faculty-to-fellow ratio of 5.5:1, which fosters personal relationships and facilitates tailored learning opportunities for fellows.
Clinical Experience
Fellows gain diverse clinical exposure through a variety of settings including outpatient and inpatient services, covering pediatric infectious diseases, clinics for HIV, viral hepatitis, and travel medicine. The fellowship includes a robust infectious disease consult service with approximately 350 inpatient consults monthly, enabling fellows to average 65 new consults when on service. Such a diverse clinical environment enriches their educational experience and practical skills in managing complex infectious diseases.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum is adapted to meet individual learning needs. During the first year, fellows are heavily involved in adult inpatient consultations, research, and specialized rotations, with responsibilities progressively increasing through their training period. The structured curriculum consists of:
- 6 months of adult inpatient consultations
- 3 months of research
- 1 month in pediatric consultations
- 1 month each in microbiology/infection control and multispecialty.
In the second year, fellows continue with adult consultations, participate in research, and experience specialized training, including involvement in outpatient clinics and specialized infections.
Research Opportunities
The program places a strong emphasis on research and scholarly activities. Fellows are expected to participate in clinical research and quality improvement projects, with an average expectation of publishing 1-2 papers during their training. Furthermore, the program encourages participation in division and hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives and educational sessions.
Conferences and Educational Activities
The fellowship includes various weekly and monthly conferences aimed at enhancing fellows' clinical knowledge and skills. These include core curriculum series, microbiology rounds, journal clubs, and case presentations. A commitment to education is paramount, as fellows play integral roles in modeling teaching practices for residents and students.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants must complete a three-year ACGME-accredited program in internal medicine or med-peds, have passed the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 examination, and submit a thorough application via the ERAS, which includes letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. Applicants are encouraged to meet all resident/fellow appointment requirements set by Baystate Health, ensuring a smooth transition into fellowship training.
Visa Support
The program is accommodating with respect to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for those qualifying under J-1 and H-1B visa categories. This facilitates the inclusion of diverse candidates, contributing to a rich learning environment.
Living and Working in Massachusetts
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, Baystate enjoys the benefits of a lower cost of living compared to major urban centers, making it an attractive option for fellows. The region is known for its recreational and cultural opportunities across all seasons, enhancing the overall training experience.
By prioritizing fellow needs, the program aims to cultivate a supportive environment conducive to both personal and professional development.
Website
Director
Armando P Paez, MDProgram Director and Chief of ID Division Appointed Since May 2012Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,300First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Springfield, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Springfield, MA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Springfield has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, especially in certain neighborhoods. It's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Springfield offers a variety of cultural attractions, museums, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city hosts events like the Big E fair and has a vibrant arts scene.
- Climate: Springfield experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowfall during the winter months.
- Races and Population: Springfield is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is around 155,000 people.
- Education: Springfield has several schools and colleges providing educational opportunities. The city is home to Springfield College and Western New England University.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Springfield is lower than the national average, making it more affordable for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Springfield is located about 1.5 hours away from Boston, MA, and about 3 hours away from New York City, NY by car. Both cities offer a wide range of entertainment, cultural activities, and career opportunities.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, access to big cities like Boston and New York.
- Cons: Higher crime rates, cold winters, some areas may lack amenities.
Interview Questions
