University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is designed to cultivate skilled pediatric infectious disease specialists through rigorous training and diverse clinical experiences. This program focuses on producing fellows who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and strong advocates for their patients.

Program Overview

The fellowship spans three years and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, aligning with the current ACGME guidelines. The program is committed to ensuring that fellows not only prepare for clinical practice but also aim for excellence in their certifying examination in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

Jackson Memorial Hospital hosts one of the largest neonatal services nationally, offering over 100 dedicated beds for neonates and a highly active pediatric transplantation service. Holtz Children's Hospital, in collaboration with the Miami Transplant Institute, is recognized for conducting a significant percentage of various organ transplants in the U.S.

Clinical Experience

The clinical exposure provided by the fellowship includes management of both common and complex infectious disease cases, such as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as specialized care for immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients and those living with HIV.

Fellows engage in a well-structured rotation system, where they are involved in both inpatient consultations and outpatient follow-up care within a fellow-run clinic. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of global health issues, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year predominantly focuses on inpatient services at Holtz Children's Hospital, alongside outpatient responsibilities. In this year, fellows are encouraged to establish mentorships and choose research projects while participating in a clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory rotation.

Year 2

The second year entails having a balanced structure of inpatient duties and significant research commitments. This is the period when fellows are expected to lead journal clubs, assist in developing clinical guidelines, and take an active role in educational presentations for pediatric house staff.

Year 3

In the final year, as senior fellows, individuals take on more responsibilities within the fellowship administration, including organizing divisional conferences. The culmination of this year includes a grand rounds lecture presentation and completion of research projects, solidifying their expertise prior to graduation.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research as a core component. Fellows are required to complete a quality improvement project and a more extensive research project over the course of their training, allowing for published works in reputable pediatric journals.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply to the program, candidates must be board-eligible in pediatrics at the start of their training and must have successfully completed all steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The program only accepts applications through the National Resident Matching Program, with applications being considered from July through October.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program provides visa support, specifically for the J1-Visa under the Alien Physician Program, aimed at non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet program eligibility requirements.

Competitiveness

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System program is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse applicant pool from various backgrounds, including international medical graduates. The program seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.