University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The section of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania is dedicated to the advancement of medicine through professional education, clinical research, and patient care in the field. The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship program at Penn aims to produce leaders in academic medicine and prepare fellows for diverse careers in clinical, basic science, or translational research in allergy and immunology.

The program trains graduates to lead initiatives in systems improvement and to become experts in a wide range of immunologic diseases. Students gain hands-on clinical experience through patient contact in both outpatient and inpatient settings, augmented by lectures, conferences, and dedicated teaching opportunities.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum outlines the goals for fellows over the first two years, emphasizing comprehensive training and competency development. Some curriculum highlights include:

• Performing diagnostic tests relevant to allergic and immunologic conditions.
• Executing skin tests and interpreting results.
• Conducting desensitization procedures for allergens and medications.
• Demonstrating proficiency in advanced pulmonary function testing.
• Understanding aspects of healthcare quality, patient safety, and improvement processes.

Fellows also have opportunities to engage in the Healthcare Leadership for Quality Residency Track, enhancing their training with leadership skills relevant to healthcare quality and patient safety, reflecting the program's commitment to fostering a balanced and collegial training environment focused on wellness, equity, and diversity 1.

Training and Rotations

Outpatient Training

The outpatient training encompasses diverse clinical environments including adult and pediatric clinics. Each fellow participates in a continuity clinic weekly to manage their own patient panel under the supervision of attending physicians, fostering independence in practice. Clinics are well-equipped with resources to address various allergic and immunologic disorders 2.

Inpatient Training

Fellows perform inpatient consultations primarily at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center. They also experience a specialized month-long inpatient rotation at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), managing complex pediatric cases and rare immunologic disorders, thereby broadening their clinical expertise 3.

Research Training

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship, with fellows actively engaging in study design, data acquisition, and manuscript preparation. They are encouraged to present their research at national meetings and submit manuscripts for publication. Opportunities for extended research training exist for fellows interested in pursuing careers in research 4.

Fellowship Positions and Competitiveness

The fellowship program offers two positions each year and accepts applications from Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics graduates. The competitive nature of the program reflects the high caliber of its training and faculty, aimed at producing highly competent practitioners 5. Visa sponsorship is available for both J-1 and H-1B visa types, thus facilitating international applicants from various backgrounds 6.

Application Process

Applications for the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program looks for candidates who possess a strong clinical and academic foundation in internal medicine, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded background in medicine prior to fellowship 7.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-being

The program recognizes the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare and education. A strong commitment to building equitable treatment environments is demonstrated across all training aspects, enhancing the overall fellowship experience for all involved 8.