University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is dedicated to preparing the next generation of infectious disease specialists through a comprehensive and immersive training curriculum. The program operates within the UNM Hospital and the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, delivering exposure to a diverse range of pathologies and clinical challenges, essential for thorough training in the field of infectious diseases.

Program Curriculum

The Infectious Diseases fellowship is a two-year ACGME accredited program designed to provide fellows with intensive clinical training. The curriculum includes:

• 14 months dedicated to inpatient consultations.
• 10 months of elective rotations, including 5 months allocated for research endeavors.

Fellows will gain significant experience treating illnesses prevalent within rural New Mexico and the Four Corners region, as well as engaging with clinical cases involving endemic diseases unique to this geographical area, such as hantavirus and plague 1.

Clinical Rotations

During their training, fellows will engage in a variety of clinical settings. Primary training occurs at:

• UNM Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, providing numerous opportunities to manage complex infectious diseases.
• The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, allowing exposure to veteran care and common pathologies.

Fellows receive in-depth outpatient care experience through an HIV continuity clinic and participation in clinics for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and more 4.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with faculty members recognized for groundbreaking research in infectious diseases. This provides fellows with substantial opportunities for clinical, translational, and basic scientific research. Diverse programming within the curriculum focuses on health equity, various infectious diseases, and innovative treatment practices for complex cases 3.

Research Involvement

UNM’s division of Infectious Diseases is involved in a spectrum of research initiatives, partnering with other academic centers and community health organizations. Research areas include:

• Health Care Delivery and Outcomes, particularly in treatment models for HIV and Hepatitis C through collaborations such as Project ECHO.
• Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

This environment fosters an integration of research with clinical practice, enabling fellows to contribute to impactful studies designed to address public health challenges specific to New Mexico and beyond 6.

Unique Program Features

The fellowship offers two optional educational tracks to cater to fellows' interests:

• The Public Health Track, focusing on epidemiological research and community health improvements, allowing fellows to obtain a Master of Public Health during their training.
• The Infectious Disease/Critical Care Track, preparing fellows for potential careers that bridge both specialties.

This commitment to diverse educational pathways highlights the program's dedication to personalized training experiences that align with fellows' career goals 5.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the University of New Mexico is highly competitive, traditionally attracting a diverse pool of candidates including DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application through ERAS, including a Program Director's letter and three additional letters of recommendation, with at least one from a provider in infectious diseases. The fellowship accepts applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and J-1 visa holders, while H-1B visas are not sponsored 4.

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers support for J-1 Visa holders. Candidates from non-U.S. educational institutions must meet specific programmatic requirements, including completion of an ACGME-accredited residency prior to fellowship commencement.

Conclusion

The University of New Mexico's Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program presents a rich, collaborative, and supportive environment aimed at developing skilled infectious disease professionals. With its robust curriculum, focused research initiatives, and commitment to health equity, the program remains a distinguished choice for aspiring fellows in the field of infectious diseases.