University of Chicago Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Chicago represents a highly rigorous, three-year program accredited by ACGME. Designed to train future leaders in the field, the program provides fellows with invaluable exposure to diverse and complex pediatric patient populations, as well as robust research opportunities within both the section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the broader University community 1.

During the fellowship, participants are immersed in a variety of clinical settings, starting with a comprehensive inpatient clinical consultation service located at Comer Children's Hospital. Additionally, fellows engage in outpatient experiences that include HIV/STI prevention and treatment through Care2Prevent at a federally qualified health center 1. The structure of the training is designed to enable fellows to pursue career paths in academics, clinical practice, or research, tailored to their individual interests.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum is segmented effectively over the three years, consisting of 12 months of clinical experience and 24 months dedicated to research 3. The first year includes:

• 6 months on inpatient clinical consultation service
• 1 month in Clinical Diagnostic Microbiology
• 1 month in Infection Control/Antimicrobial Stewardship

Years two and three primarily focus on scholarly activity and research, where fellows develop a substantial project that meets requirements set by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). Each of these years mandates at least three months of clinical service to ensure continuous hands-on experience 2.

Clinical Rotations

Each year, fellows rotate through different outpatient clinics, interacting with experienced mentors:

• Year 1: Outpatient General ID Clinic
• Year 2: Friend Health Center focusing on HIV/STI
• Year 3: Mt. Sinai Hospital Outpatient General Pediatric ID Clinic

Educational Opportunities

The program boasts a rich educational schedule, including:

• Pediatric ID Noon Conference - weekly
• Pediatric Grand Rounds - weekly
• Combined Adult/Peds Didactic Conferences - thrice weekly
• Pediatric ID Board Review/Case Conference - weekly
• Pediatric ID Core Curriculum - spread over 18 months
• Teleconferences - monthly

This comprehensive educational framework prepares fellows for the ABP Pediatric Infectious Diseases Certifying Examination at the end of their training 4.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue diverse scholarly projects, including areas such as Infection Prevention, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Pediatric/Adolescent HIV. These research activities allow fellows to contribute significantly to the field while engaging with the extensive academic resources available at the University of Chicago 1.

Benefits and Support

The fellowship provides a highly competitive benefits package that addresses the physical and mental health needs of its fellows. This includes:

• Dental, vision, and health insurance coverage
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Tuition remission for dependent children at the University of Chicago Lab School
• Education funds for professional development
• Wellness programs and stipends

Furthermore, fellows have access to a substantial wellness discretionary fund and receive a monthly stipend to offset personal device usage 2.

Visa Support

The program is committed to inclusivity and actively encourages applications from underrepresented minorities. International applicants requiring visa sponsorship are primarily supported through J-1 visa sponsorship, allowing for a full-time work authorization in accordance with the program's start date 5.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Chicago is considered highly competitive. Applicants must be residents in Pediatrics (PL3 or higher) or have completed an accredited Pediatric residency. Eligibility for the American Board of Pediatrics Board examination is required upon completion of the fellowship 5.

In summary, the fellowship offers comprehensive training, robust research opportunities, and a supportive environment conducive to developing the next generation of leaders in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, all within a culturally rich and academically challenging institution.