Specialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1462821064The Infectious Diseases Fellowship program at the University of Missouri School of Medicine-Columbia aims to cultivate outstanding clinicians equipped with substantial knowledge and skills in the field of infectious diseases. The program is founded on a successful history of graduating proficient specialists and complies with ACGME requirements for fellowship training.
The fellowship is structured into two distinct tracks: the traditional Infectious Diseases fellowship track and the Infectious Diseases/Critical Care track. The two-year traditional track promotes a comprehensive experience in infectious disease management, exposing fellows to a diverse range of cases encountered in various settings, including MU Health Care hospitals and the Harry S. Truman Veterans’ Hospital.
Training Sites and Clinical Experiences
MU Health Care comprises a robust system featuring six hospitals and over 50 clinics offering both primary and specialty services. It has been recognized multiple times as a leading workplace in healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review. The Truman VA Hospital, known for its commitment to employee satisfaction, emphasizes optimal working environments and has received accolades as the “Best Place to Work” in the Veterans Health Administration.
Core clinical programs available to fellows include:
- Orthopedic Infectious Diseases: Surveillance and consultative services for complex bone and joint infections at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute, the largest free-standing orthopedic facility in central Missouri.
- Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT): Fellows receive extensive exposure to the management of patients requiring OPAT through dedicated coordinators.
- HIV/AIDS Program: Comprehensive care services are provided, including a dedicated weekly HIV clinic supervised by leading specialists in the field.
- Infectious Diseases Clinic: Fellows will develop skills in managing various infectious diseases with practical exposure in a real-world outpatient clinic.
Curriculum and Rotation Structure
The two-year program is divided into 26 four-week blocks, alongside four weeks of vacation in each year. Initial training includes orientation and microbiology, with rotations through both inpatient and outpatient services. Rounds are structured to support clinical discussions emphasizing critical thinking, the synthesis of clinical data, and infection control principles.
Fellows engage in a research/elective rotation, where they are encouraged to undertake quality improvement projects, presentations, and potential publishing of their research efforts in peer-reviewed journals.
Conferences and Educational Activities
To facilitate continuous learning, the program hosts numerous conferences aimed at advancing fellows' knowledge base:
- Core Curriculum Conference: Weekly sessions on fundamental topics related to infectious diseases.
- ID Case Conference: A platform for presenting and discussing challenging clinical cases.
- Journal Club: A review of significant clinical and scientific literature encouraging critical analysis and discussion.
- ID/Critical Care Conference: In collaboration with pulmonary and critical care sections, this conference fosters multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.
- Infectious Diseases Grand Rounds: Hosting national experts quarterly to present updates on specialized topics in the field.
Visa Support and Application Competitiveness
The Infectious Diseases Fellowship program is internationally friendly and supports visa sponsorship for qualified applicants through J-1 or H-1B visa categories, making it accessible to international medical graduates. The program encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community of learning and empathy.
The competitiveness of the program remains high, attracting numerous applicants annually. Candidates are typically required to have completed their internal medicine residency by the fellowship start date. Specific application prerequisites include adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and the NRMP Medical Specialties Match.
Special Application Requirements
Applicants need to note any special requirements for application through ERAS, particularly in regard to the year of graduation from medical school and the acceptable limits of failed STEP exams, as the program places a premium on academic readiness and past performance.
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Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
45 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
-First Year Salary:
$71,121First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Admission
Location
Columbia, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Columbia, MO
- Crime Rate and Safety
Columbia has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, with property crime being more common than violent crime. However, overall, it is considered a relatively safe city. - Fun Activities
Columbia offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, and water sports at nearby lakes. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and diverse dining options. - Climate
Columbia experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant. - Races and Population
The population of Columbia is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities. The city has a university town vibe due to the presence of the University of Missouri. - Education
Columbia is known for its strong public school system and higher education institutions like the University of Missouri, providing educational opportunities for residents of all ages. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Columbia is reasonable compared to national averages, with affordable housing options and lower transportation costs. - Proximity to Bigger Cities
Columbia is centrally located in Missouri and is within a 2-hour drive from major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Both cities offer a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options. - Pros
Vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse dining options, reasonable cost of living, and proximity to larger cities. - Cons
Slightly higher crime rate than the national average, hot summers, and cold winters.
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