University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The UC San Diego Medical Center Infectious Diseases Fellowship program offers a unique and structured training experience for aspiring infectious disease specialists. At the core of this program is a dedicated community comprised of expert clinicians, leading scientists, and adept public health leaders, all striving to expand the frontiers of the infectious diseases field.

Fellows benefit from the unparalleled diversity of patient experiences and a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate clinical excellence, research acumen, and a strong commitment to patient advocacy and public health. This emphasis on diversity reflects not only in the training offered but also in the recruitment strategies employed by the program, aiming to attract a wide array of candidates that can bring their unique backgrounds to the fellowship experience.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum encompasses a wide range of didactic and clinical experiences designed to cover critical topics in infectious diseases. Central components include:

• Core Didactics: Monthly half-day sessions conducted over two years address various clinical ID subjects taught by faculty and other experts.1
• Grand Rounds: Weekly ID Grand Rounds featuring case presentations and research talks.1
• Specialized Microbiology Training: A curriculum aimed at enhancing the fellows' knowledge of microbiology through both classroom and practical experiences.1
• HIV Continuity Clinic: Second-year fellows take part in a primary care continuity clinic focusing on HIV patients, which serves as an excellent platform for clinical training.1
• Research Track: For fellows in the research pathway, the program offers structured opportunities to align with mentors and engage in tailored research activities.1
• Medical Education: Participation in a year-long course for medical education is available to all fellows, equipping them with unique teaching skills.3

Clinical Training Sites

Fellows have access to a variety of clinical training sites, ensuring they gain comprehensive hands-on experience across diverse patient populations and settings. Rotations can take place at the UC San Diego Health System, the VA Hospital, and other associated facilities, which enhances their exposure to different clinical practices within infectious diseases.1

Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship program is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its ranks. This commitment is evident through a variety of DEI initiatives that focus on training, mentoring, and ensuring an inclusive environment.4

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship program, candidates are required to submit a complete application through ERAS, including:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Medical School Transcript
• ECFMG Status Report (for international graduates)

There are specific eligibility criteria based on the track the applicants are interested in. For the Clinician Educator Track, applicants need to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals holding H-1B or J-1 visas. However, the Research Track is restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to NIH funding stipulations.5

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visas for candidates applying to the Clinician Educator track, whereas applicants for the Research track must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to funding conditions. This structured visa support facilitates international doctors in pursuing advanced training while also enriching the fellowship environment through diverse interactions.6

Competitiveness

The UC San Diego Infectious Diseases Fellowship is considered a highly competitive program, attracting candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The strong emphasis on clinical training, meetings with research mentors, and opportunities for growth make the program appealing to many aspiring fellows.5

Life in the ID Fellowship

Life as a fellow in the program is characterized by not only rigorous training but also a supportive community. Many current and past fellows highlight the collaborative atmosphere, where mentorship and support are pivotal. Beyond clinical duties, fellows enjoy the vibrant lifestyle in San Diego, replete with opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement.3

Combined Programs

For those interested in a comprehensive training experience spanning both adult and pediatric infectious diseases, UC San Diego offers a Combined Med/Peds ID Fellowship. This unique structure enables fellows to qualify for board certification in both specialties, thereby broadening their future career pathways.7