University of Alabama Medical Center Program

The UAB Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship is a comprehensive three-year training program designed to cultivate exceptional clinicians and researchers in the domain of pediatric infectious diseases. This program operates under the auspices of the Heersink School of Medicine and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). With a strong track record, the program has successfully graduated 31 fellows as of 2023.

The mission of the program is grounded in training, education, and mentorship, facilitating fellows to become leaders in managing simple to complex infectious disease issues. The training environment prioritizes excellence in clinical care, scholarly activity, and professionalism; this approach ensures fellows become proficient in diagnosing and managing pediatric infectious diseases while developing their research acumen. During the fellowship, there are numerous opportunities for engaging in quality improvement initiatives and infection control programs that serve as foundational skills for fellows in their future careers.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum adheres to a structured and flexible framework that caters to the interests and experiences of individual fellows. The first year includes a broad introduction to infectious diseases and clinical consultations; subsequent years allow fellows to delve further into research opportunities. Each fellow is expected to participate in a variety of clinical conditions and settings, ensuring a wealth of pathology exposure.

Overall, the training structure includes clinical training, research projects, and teaching roles, with significant emphasis placed on developing the fundamental principles of research, ethics, and effective communication within healthcare teams. Fellows engage in teaching, providing consultative services, and are afforded mentorship that enhances their trajectory towards becoming proficient physician-scientists.

Clinical Training

During their fellowship, fellows gain clinical experience by rotating through various settings, including the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic and Maternal-Child HIV Clinic associated with Children's of Alabama, a free-standing children’s hospital. Clinical responsibilities include managing inpatient consultations and outpatient cases, supervised by experienced faculty members. The program encourages fellows to design their clinical experiences by providing the opportunity to pursue elective rotations in different departments, further enhancing exposure to diverse aspects of pediatric medicine.

Significantly, fellows are not required to take in-house night call and generally receive one day off weekly during clinical rotations. Night call responsibilities, when applicable, are managed in accordance with ACGME guidelines, ensuring proper work-life balance.

Research Training

Research constitutes a critical component of the fellowship, particularly beginning in the second year where fellows are expected to engage in a protected research environment. Fellows are expected to develop and execute a unique research project resulting in contributions to the broader medical knowledge base, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national meetings.

The program boasts active research endeavors across various themes, and fellows are encouraged to establish an independent research identity. Additionally, strong support for developing grant-writing skills and possible extension of training beyond the third year adds to the program's appeal for those interested in an academic career path.

Application and Admission

The program participates in the Pediatric Subspecialties Fall Match via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package that includes a personal statement, curriculum vitae, medical school transcript, USMLE scores, and three letters of recommendation—one of which should originate from the Pediatrics Department Chairman or Residency Director. The application process is rigorous and selective, ensuring only the most dedicated and qualified candidates are accepted. The program's structure combines competitiveness while maintaining a DO/IMG-friendly approach for applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and has the capacity to sponsor various visa types, which is beneficial for international medical graduates who wish to participate in the fellowship. This aspect of visa sponsorship represents an essential consideration for non-U.S. citizens as they navigate the complexities of entry into medical training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive and evaluations focus primarily on applicants' academic achievements, research experience, and clinical proficiency. Additionally, there may be certain application requirements, such as successful completion of USMLE steps without exceeding one failure in any Step exam. This program emphasizes its commitment to developing a diverse training environment, welcoming a range of qualified candidates into its ranks.