University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Pediatric/Adult Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at the University of Miami and Jackson Health System offers an intensive training experience designed for physicians pursuing a career in allergy and immunology. This two-year fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, patient-centric, and culturally sensitive educational environment that prepares fellows for diverse career opportunities in both clinical and academic settings.

Fellows are required to have completed a postgraduate training program in either pediatrics or internal medicine, or a combined pediatrics/internal medicine residency. As part of the application process, candidates must demonstrate board eligibility for pediatric and/or internal medicine. The fellowship program typically involves a rigorous training commitment that provides substantial exposure to various allergic and immunological conditions.

Program Overview

The fellowship begins with clinical rotations that encompass a wide range of experiences across multiple healthcare settings. Key locations include Jackson Memorial Hospital, a major tertiary referral center with 1,550 beds; Holtz Children’s Hospital, known for its pediatric specialties; and the Miami VA Healthcare System, which serves as a referral center for other VA facilities in South Florida. Here, fellows will engage in both inpatient and outpatient clinical duties, including pediatric consults.

One of the standout features of this fellowship is the comprehensive training provided in various allergy and immunological diseases, including pediatric food allergies and primary immunodeficiency disorders. The program has established itself as a center of excellence, particularly recognized by the Food Allergy Research and Education Clinical Network and the Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Curriculum and Research Opportunities

The curriculum is structured to provide diverse clinical experience while allowing fellows to engage in research activities. Throughout the fellowship, fellows are expected to allocate time to research activities, which includes a dedicated four-week period annually and protected clinical time for educational endeavors. Fellows will have ample opportunities to publish and present findings at national conferences, enhancing their academic portfolios.

Furthermore, there is an opportunity for fellows to pursue a non-ACGME-approved third year focused on research if desired, with faculty support for funding and collaboration with basic science professors at the University of Miami.

Visas and Application Requirements

This program is J-1 visa eligible, allowing international medical graduates to participate in the fellowship. The J-1 visa, offered through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), is a common route for non-U.S. citizens and contributes to the diversity of the fellowship cohort.

As for competitiveness, the fellowship is designed to be inclusive. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates, thereby creating a rich training environment.

Training Environment and Faculty

The training environment is robust, with an emphasis on educating fellows in diverse clinical settings while also fostering research and academic growth. Faculty members are committed to the trainees' education, providing support and guidance throughout the fellowship. This structure facilitates collaborative learning, allowing fellows to engage with both residents and medical students in clinical and academic settings.

Miami serves as an additional asset to this fellowship, offering a vibrant lifestyle accompanied by numerous educational and research opportunities within the broader medical community.

Overall, the fellowship program at the University of Miami and Jackson Health System stands out for its comprehensive training, commitment to diversity, research opportunities, and excellent faculty support.