University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Louisville is a three-year program fully accredited by the ACGME, with a track record of nurturing successful graduates since its inception in 1994. The program is designed to train one fellow every three years, ensuring personalized mentorship and a concentrated educational experience. The focus is on cultivating exceptional clinicians, educators, and scholars who will significantly contribute to the field of pediatric infectious diseases through research, clinical service, and teaching.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellows are entrusted with the care of patients suffering from complex infections, including HIV, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and infections stemming from organ transplantation. The training prepares fellows to handle cases involving immunocompromised children and to effectively manage and prevent hospital-acquired infections. The fellows engage with the infection prevention program at Norton Children's Hospital, ensuring a comprehensive approach to pediatric care.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The clinical training occurs primarily at Norton Children’s Hospital, a leading institution dedicated to child health care. Here, fellows will engage deeply with pediatric infectious diseases through a range of inpatient and outpatient consultations. Annually, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases team oversees approximately 600 new inpatient consultations and 1800 outpatient encounters.

Fellows will participate in multidisciplinary clinics, ensuring they gain exposure to a variety of complex cases and treatment methodologies. The clinic setup supports a collaborative approach with specialists from various disciplines, enhancing the educational experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program, with training available at several research facilities. These include the University of Louisville’s Pediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory, the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Norton Healthcare, and the Norton Children's Research Institute. The fellows are encouraged to present their research findings at national conferences and aim to publish their work, contributing to advancements in the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

Fellows also receive the opportunity to enhance their research skills through collaboration with the Child and Adolescent Health Research Design and Support Unit. This unit provides resources and guidance for clinical research, particularly focusing on health services research pertinent to pediatric practices.

Curriculum and Educational Structure

The curriculum is structured to ensure fellows acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for their future roles in pediatric infectious diseases. This includes specialized training in antimicrobial stewardship, hospital epidemiology, and quality improvement initiatives. There is a strong emphasis on developing clinician-educators who will shape the future of child health care.

Fellows can also pursue a Masters of Public Health at the University of Louisville during their three years of training, fostering a well-rounded educational background that complements their clinical and research activities.

Training Locations

In addition to Norton Children's Hospital, fellows utilize the state-of-the-art Novak Center for Children's Health for outpatient consultations. This facility enhances the fellowship experience with modern resources tailored for pediatric patients, fostering a seamless integration of inpatient and outpatient care.

Support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is recognized for being DO/IMG friendly and competitive, welcoming candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. The program seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the field through their clinical experiences and research interests.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, specifically supporting those applying for J-1 or H-1B visas. Prospective fellows must have completed their residency training and, while there are no maximum limits on failed STEP exams specified, competitive scores are encouraged to enhance admission prospects. Applications typically favor candidates within a few years of completing their medical education.

Faculty and Mentorship

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases team comprises experienced faculty members who are leaders in their field. The faculty's dedication to teaching and mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping the fellows' training experience. Each faculty member, including various subspecialists, is board-certified and actively engages in scholarly activities, providing a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for the fellows.