University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

About the Program

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine/UC Health is dedicated to training exceptional and compassionate infectious diseases clinicians and clinician-investigators who aspire to be leaders in their field and advocates for public health. The program is designed to provide fellows with a comprehensive two or three-year fellowship in clinical infectious diseases and research methodologies, aimed at fostering both excellent clinical skills and thorough research acumen.

During the fellowship, clinical training consists of a variety of engagements, including inpatient infectious diseases consults at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) and the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), outpatient infectious diseases consults, HIV continuity care clinics, and involvement in infection control and prevention initiatives. Critical components of the training include participation in diagnostic microbiology covering bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology, along with engaged participation in research activities.

For those pursuing a career in academic medicine, there is an opportunity for an additional third year of fellowship training that allows for a dedicated focus on research within specific infectious diseases subspecialties.

Application Process

The application process for the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program follows the guidelines set forth by the College of Medicine Office of Graduate Medical Education. It is important to note that the program only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a submission deadline typically set for October 1. Applicants must possess a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and must have completed three years of ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency training by the time they enter the fellowship. US citizenship, permanent residency, or J1 visa status is required for eligibility, while H1B visa status is only considered under extraordinary circumstances.

Additionally, the program requires successful completion of USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 (or their equivalent in COMLEX exams). Applicants are advised to provide a complete application package, including a CV, personal statement, USMLE certificates, three letters of recommendation (with one from the residency program director), a recent photograph, a copy of their medical diploma, and transcripts from medical school. The program emphasizes a dedication to diversity and equity in recruitment processes.

Clinical Training

The clinical training experience for fellows emphasizes the development of high levels of clinical expertise through intensive involvement in infectious diseases clinical services. Over the course of the first two years, fellows dedicate twelve months to clinical rotations, comprising both inpatient and outpatient experiences.

Inpatient services include three months each year spent on the intensive Infectious Diseases Consultation Service at UCMC—a regional referral center equipped with a Level-1 Trauma Center and comprehensive solid organ transplantation programs. Similarly, fellows spend three months each year at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, a full-service hospital with robust infectious diseases consult services. Additionally, fellows engage with specialized training in areas such as immunocompromised hosts and transplant infectious diseases.

Outpatient clinical experiences take place at both UCMC and the Cincinnati VA Medical Center’s Infectious Diseases Clinic, where fellows conduct outpatient consultations and receive training under the guidance of faculty. Conducting outpatient care for patients with infections, particularly those with HIV and hepatitis C, is crucial for their training. Furthermore, fellows are engaged in microbiology diagnostics, infection prevention programs, and have opportunities for elective rotations and experiences tailored to their interests.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program incorporates a strong emphasis on research, providing eight months typically dedicated to research activities over a two-year period. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in ongoing research projects influenced by their personal interests, previous experiences, and existing faculty-led research initiatives. The research scope within the division covers clinical investigation, immunology, mycology, and various molecular microbiology projects.

Fellows may choose to collaborate with mentors in different departments and specialties, further enriching their research experience. The program is notably involved in NIH-funded research and includes participation in studies related to HIV and other infectious diseases. Key areas of research include investigations on host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology of infections, and advancements in clinical methodologies for patient care. This interdisciplinary approach strengthens the fellows' educational foundation while granting access to state-of-the-art resources within the university's various laboratories and research facilities.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship options, accepting US citizens, permanent residents, and J1 visa holders, with H1B visas considered only under extraordinary circumstances. This inclusivity enhances the program's appeal to a diverse range of candidates from various backgrounds.

The University of Cincinnati's Infectious Diseases Fellowship is known to be competitive, with only two trainee positions available each year, generally filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The program actively seeks to promote diversity and does not discriminate based on various factors such as age, race, or gender identity.