University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s InfectiousDiseases Fellowship Program is dedicated to preparing the nextgeneration of infectious disease specialists through acomprehensive and immersive training curriculum. The programoperates within the UNM Hospital and the New Mexico VeteransAffairs Healthcare System, delivering exposure to a diverse rangeof pathologies and clinical challenges, essential for thoroughtraining in the field of infectious diseases.

Program Curriculum

The Infectious Diseases fellowship is a two-year ACGME accreditedprogram designed to provide fellows with intensive clinicaltraining. The curriculum includes:

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

Fellows will gain significant experience treating illnessesprevalent within rural New Mexico and the Four Corners region, aswell as engaging with clinical cases involving endemic diseasesunique to this geographical area, such as hantavirus and plague1.

Clinical Rotations

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

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

Fellows receive in-depth outpatient care experience through anHIV continuity clinic and participation in clinics fortuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and more4.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with faculty membersrecognized for groundbreaking research in infectious diseases. Thisprovides fellows with substantial opportunities for clinical,translational, and basic scientific research. Diverse programmingwithin the curriculum focuses on health equity, various infectiousdiseases, and innovative treatment practices for complex cases3.

Research Involvement

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

• Health Care Delivery and Outcomes, particularly in treatmentmodels for HIV and Hepatitis C through collaborations such asProject ECHO.
• Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic interventions aimedat improving patient outcomes.

This environment fosters an integration of research withclinical practice, enabling fellows to contribute to impactfulstudies designed to address public health challenges specific toNew Mexico and beyond 6.

Unique Program Features

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

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

This commitment to diverse educational pathways highlights theprogram's dedication to personalized training experiences thatalign with fellows' career goals 5.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the University of NewMexico is highly competitive, traditionally attracting a diversepool of candidates including DOs and International MedicalGraduates (IMGs). Applicants are required to submit a comprehensiveapplication through ERAS, including a Program Director's letter andthree additional letters of recommendation, with at least one froma provider in infectious diseases. The fellowship acceptsapplications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and J-1 visaholders, 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 meetspecific programmatic requirements, including completion of anACGME-accredited residency prior to fellowship commencement.

Conclusion

The University of New Mexico's Infectious Diseases FellowshipProgram presents a rich, collaborative, and supportive environmentaimed at developing skilled infectious disease professionals. Withits robust curriculum, focused research initiatives, and commitmentto health equity, the program remains a distinguished choice foraspiring fellows in the field of infectious diseases.