University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Program

The Infectious Diseases Training Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine is structured to provide trainees with a comprehensive educational experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This innovative two-year fellowship is designed to develop exemplary clinicians in the field of infectious diseases, integrating clinical practice with significant research opportunities.

Fellows engage in the management of a variety of infectious diseases, receiving hands-on training that covers a broad spectrum of conditions. The program is executed across three primary institutions: a major urban city-county hospital, a tertiary referral center, and a prominent pediatric hospital. This diverse exposure ensures that fellows obtain a well-rounded experience in managing complex infectious disease cases across different patient demographics and clinical environments 1.

Training Facilities

The fellowship's training sites include:

• University Health Truman Medical Center: As a Level I trauma center, this facility offers a complete range of primary medical and surgical services, providing vital experience in treating acute infectious conditions.
• Children’s Mercy Hospital: Known for its pediatric specialties, including a bone marrow transplant unit and a pediatric intensive care unit, this hospital allows fellows to gain valuable insights into pediatric infectious diseases.
• Saint Luke’s Hospital: This tertiary referral center is recognized for its specialized adult care, including solid organ and bone marrow transplantation, which offers unique learning opportunities for fellows.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is rigorous and multifaceted, designed to balance clinical duties and educational growth. Fellows spend their time split between the following responsibilities:

• Clinical patient care
• Consultation services for both inpatient and outpatient infectious disease cases
• Research

During the fellowship, fellows typically spend:

• 8 months in adult infectious diseases consult service (per year)
• 1 month in microbiology laboratories to enhance diagnostic skills
• 2 months dedicated to research projects

Furthermore, the outpatient experience is solidified at the Infectious Diseases clinic at the Truman Medical Center, ensuring continuity of care for HIV-infected patients, among others 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a core component of the fellowship, with opportunities to engage in various projects relevant to infectious diseases. Fellows collaborate with faculty members to create a tailored research project focusing on their areas of interest, which can include HIV, antimicrobial usage, and other infections 4.

Application Process

The application process requires adherence to specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Eligibility to take the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination
• A permanent Missouri medical license
• A completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

Each application must include:

• A personal statement
• One letter of recommendation from the current program director
• Two additional letters from faculty
• USMLE Step I and II transcripts (or COMLEX for osteopathic applicants)
• A recent photograph

Following the review of submitted materials, select candidates may be invited for an interview, where evaluations of qualifications, clinical competence, and personal attributes occur 5.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship program maintains a commitment to diversity, selecting candidates based on merit without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. It fosters an inclusive environment that is both competitive yet welcoming to candidates from different backgrounds, including those from international medical schools 5.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international applicants, typically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types. This support enables qualified candidates who require visa assistance to apply and train within the fellowship program effectively.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Aside from the comprehensive clinical exposure and robust research opportunities, the fellowship includes monthly conferences, journal clubs, and formal courses aimed at enhancing fellows' knowledge in clinical microbiology and epidemiology. Fellow engagement in committees such as the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee highlights the program's commitment to applying practical learning to improve hospital practices and patient care 4.