University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

The Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is designed to equip fellows with comprehensive training in clinical infectious diseases, population health, and research methodologies, allowing them to excel in various career environments. The program is known for its commitment to education and offers a supportive environment with access to experienced faculty.

Fellows at UNMC benefit from clinical training at Nebraska Medicine, a major tertiary referral center featuring 718 inpatient beds and the region's largest cancer center. The fellowship's structure includes five inpatient infectious disease teams, allowing fellows to refine their consultative skills across a diverse range of services, including General and Community Infectious Disease as well as dedicated teams for Orthopedic, Oncology, and Solid Organ Transplant Infectious Diseases 1.

Training Sites

Fellows will complete rotations at multiple key training sites, including Nebraska Medicine (covering General, Oncology, Orthopedic, and Transplant ID), Bellevue Medical Center, the Specialty Care Center, and Durham Outpatient Center. Additional optional rotations include the Douglas County Health Center STD Clinic and the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum spans two years with a potential optional third year. In the first year, clinical proficiency is prioritized through diverse rotations, as detailed below:

• Clinical Microbiology: one month
• General Infectious Disease Service: five months
• Orthopedic Infectious Disease Service: one month
• Transplant and Oncology Infectious Disease Services: three months
• Research: two months

The second year focuses more heavily on research activities while continuing to develop outpatient care skills and pursuing electives. Fellows can expect a month of dedicated training in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control, biopreparedness training, and a robust series of conferences and educational opportunities 2.

Research Opportunities

With over six months allocated for protected research time, fellows have ample opportunity to engage in mentored research projects that contribute to their academic portfolios. The program promotes active involvement in mentorship and supports fellows in developing a strong research background 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants must be board certified or eligible in the United States and have completed an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency. The application process requires participation in the ERAS electronic application service and includes two letters of recommendation in addition to the residency director's letter. Remote interviews are conducted, and the fellowship supports candidates on J-1 or H-1B visas 3.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The fellowship is considered to be competitive, yet it is friendly towards DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program features a supportive faculty highly invested in medical education and fellow success. A unique aspect of the fellowship includes participation in IDWeek, where first-year fellows receive a stipend, and fellows with accepted abstracts or cases may receive support to attend in their second year 1.

Fellow Life and Benefits

Omaha offers an affordable cost of living paired with a vibrant community and diverse culture. The city has a mix of attractions, including parks, restaurants, and cultural activities, making it an appealing location for fellows to both work and live. As reported by current and past fellows, Omaha has numerous outdoor activities and a dynamic food scene 5.

Conclusion

The Infectious Disease Fellowship at UNMC encompasses rigorous clinical training, extensive research opportunities, and mentorship, preparing students for successful careers in infectious diseases.