University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

Philadelphia, PA
Specialty:Infectious disease
ACGME Code:1464121022
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The University of Pennsylvania Health System offers a robust fellowship program in Infectious Diseases, housed within the Division of Infectious Diseases of the Department of Medicine. The program is recognized for its excellence in clinical care, research, and education, reflecting the historical significance of the division since its founding in 1971. It provides fellows with opportunities to craft individualized training programs tailored to their career aspirations using a diverse array of clinical and research experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is structured across multiple years. The first year primarily focuses on clinical training within a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings across the University of Pennsylvania’s hospitals, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, and more. This experience encompasses several sub-specialty clinics targeting chronic and complex infectious diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, travel medicine, and mycobacterial infections, presenting extensive exposure to diverse patient populations.

1

Training Sites

Fellows train at prominent institutions such as:

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
  • Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
  • Pennsylvania Hospital
  • Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center
  • Chester County Hospital

This wide-ranging exposure allows fellows to gain comprehensive insights into various aspects of Infectious Diseases, enhancing their clinical acumen.

2

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes a strong research component, encouraging fellows to engage in ongoing projects that span basic, translational, and clinical research. This includes world-renowned initiatives such as the Penn Center for AIDS Research and the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, fostering skills in both domestic and global health contexts. Research training can lead to advanced academic and clinical research degrees, with many fellows participating in clinical trials related to HIV, Hepatitis, and more.

3

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Understanding the importance of diversity in medical training and practice, the program prioritizes health equity and racial justice. This initiative aims to recruit and retain a diverse community of fellows, faculty, and staff, recognizing that inclusivity enriches the educational environment and improves patient care outcomes.

4

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known for being competitive yet is considered DO and IMG (International Medical Graduates) friendly, encouraging applicants from varied backgrounds. Visa sponsorship is available for qualified candidates, including types such as H-1B and J-1 visas.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Exceptional applicants typically have robust clinical experience and a strong academic record. Specific requirements can include a pass on previous USMLE/COMLEX examinations and an emphasis is placed on research experience in infectious diseases. Additionally, the program highly values diversity and welcomes applications from various educational backgrounds.

5

Unique Aspects of the Fellowship

In addition to a strong clinical focus, fellows have the opportunity to craft specific training paths in healthcare epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, and global health. The flexibility in training paths allows fellows to tailor their fellowship experience to align with their career ambitions, whether in academic medicine, public health, or industry roles.

6

Conclusion

This fellowship contributes significantly to the medical field by training leaders in Infectious Diseases who are equipped to address contemporary challenges and enhance healthcare delivery through exceptional clinical care and research practices.

7

Web sources

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Program data

ACGME History [2]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation0
Full accreditation0
Continued27
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

-- (2 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 23, 2026)

Composition

--

Training

Fellowship Rate:--

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:5.5X [1]

Residents Career Path

--

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: --

First Year Paid Vacation: --

First Year Salary: $82,720 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 14 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 55 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:--

YOG Cutoff:--

Race / Ethnicity

No race data available.

Gender

No gender data available.

Incoming Schools

No incoming school data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Publications

45 Publications (5 yr)

Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America2026

Clarification to HIVMA/IDSA HIV Primary Care Guidance Immunization Recommendations.

Michael Horberg,1Melanie Thompson,2Allison Agwu,3Jonathan Colasanti,4

Location

Philadelphia, PA [4]

Population
1,603,797
Median income
$60,302Below
Education
35.7%Above
Employment
60.2%Above
Health
7.1%Above
Age
35On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [5]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [6]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Philadelphia, PA:

Philadelphia, PA is a vibrant city with a rich historical background and a diverse cultural scene. Here are some aspects to consider when living in Philadelphia for your medical residency program:

Crime Rate and Safety

Philadelphia has some high-crime neighborhoods, so it's essential to be aware of your surroundings. However, the city has been improving its safety measures in recent years.

Fun Activities

Philadelphia offers a wide range of activities, from visiting historical sites like Independence Hall to enjoying the arts and culture in museums and theaters.

Climate

Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snowfall during the winter months.

Races and Population

Philadelphia is a diverse city with a mix of racial and ethnic groups, making it a welcoming and inclusive place to live.

Education

Philadelphia is home to several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continued education and research.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Philadelphia is moderate compared to other major cities on the East Coast. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood.

Proximity to Other Cities

Philadelphia is within driving distance to cities like New York City (around 2 hours) and Washington, D.C. (around 2.5 hours), making it easy to explore other urban centers.

Pros

  • Rich history
  • diverse culture
  • strong healthcare institutions
  • vibrant arts scene.

Cons

  • Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates
  • winters can be cold and snowy.

FAQ

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Nearby programs

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References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1464121022

2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US4260000

5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr