University of California (San Francisco) Program

The University of California, San Francisco offers a comprehensive Fellowship Program in Pediatric Infectious Diseases under its Department of Pediatrics. This program focuses on advancing the care of children affected by infectious diseases through various avenues, including clinical care, research, and education for future professionals in the field.

Curriculum and Fellowship Structure

The fellowship program spans three years and is designed to provide in-depth training in pediatric infectious diseases. It incorporates opportunities in antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and the management of children with immunocompromising conditions. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, mentorship, and academic development, preparing fellows to become leaders in the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

Fellows in the program experience a diverse range of clinical settings. They have the chance to work at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which is recognized for its specialized facilities and comprehensive care approaches. Clinical rotations cover various domains, including inpatient and outpatient settings, and fellows are exposed to a wide variety of infectious disease cases, ensuring robust clinical skill development.

Research and Innovation

The program fosters an innovative research environment, encouraging fellows to engage in both clinical and translational research projects. Faculty members are involved in cutting-edge research focusing on the pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases in children. This research affiliation allows fellows to contribute to significant scientific advancements while gaining valuable experience in research methodologies.

The program actively promotes the involvement of fellows in ongoing faculty research projects that may include studies focusing on global health initiatives, antimicrobial resistance, and novel therapeutics.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCSF Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program offers unique aspects that distinguish it in the field. The program emphasizes global health, providing fellows with opportunities for international rotations and experiences that enhance their understanding of infectious diseases in varying contexts. Additionally, the fellowship promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to work with various specialists, thus enriching their training.

Training Sites

Fellows are primarily trained at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, a major teaching hospital that is part of the University of California system. This facility is known for its commitment to high-quality medical care and experimental treatments, providing a rich learning environment for fellows. The training also extends to various affiliated hospitals and community health settings to provide a holistic education.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports international trainees by offering sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This feature demonstrates the program's commitment to attracting a diverse pool of candidates, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those from different educational backgrounds.

The fellowship is considered to be competitive, drawing numerous applications from around the country and internationally. Candidates typically include MDs and DOs, with strong preferences for applicants who have completed residency in Pediatrics. There may also be specific application requirements related to graduation years and previous examination performances; thus, prospective fellows should ensure they meet any stipulated criteria.

Application Requirements

While details may vary by cycle, applicants generally need to have completed their pediatric residency and should be focused on careers in pediatric infectious diseases. The program often reviews the academic performance, clinical evaluations, and research experience of applicants. Specific requirements, such as the number of failed STEP exams, might also be documented to optimize candidate selection.