University of Puerto Rico Program

Program Overview

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) commenced in July 1987 and has since developed into a robust two-year fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program selects one to two fellows each academic year, emphasizing a comprehensive training experience that integrates extensive clinical exposure, educational activities, and research opportunities.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows engage in an extensive curriculum that includes clinical experiences across various esteemed training sites. The primary site is the University District Hospital (UDH), which serves as the core facility for clinical training. Collaborations with San Juan VA Hospital, the Pediatric University Hospital, and Hospital Auxilio Mutuo further enrich the training experience.

Clinical duties involve a diverse array of infectious diseases including but not limited to HIV management and outpatient infectious disease consultations. Residents also participate in daily clinical encounters, receive a weekly clinical consult service rotation, and engage in monthly new consult evaluations which enhance the fellows' practical understanding and patient management skills.

Research and Academic Activities

Research is a significant component of the program, requiring fellows to participate in research projects. Publication in national and local conferences is an expected graduation requirement. This focus on research not only enhances the fellows' academic profiles but also contributes to advancements in medical knowledge critical to infectious disease treatment.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program's unique structure offers access to a wide variety of clinical cases due to its self-contained training environment. The program emphasizes education, requiring participation in teaching medical students and peers, which fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere. Additionally, residents benefit from mentorship provided by highly qualified faculty members, many of whom hold board certifications in their specialty.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates must have completed a three-year Internal Medicine residency from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong foundation in patient care. The program is open to both MDs and DOs, making it friendly for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Additionally, applicants should possess full Spanish language proficiency as it is essential for effective communication within the patient population.

Application Requirements

The application must include a medical school transcript, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores. Candidates can apply only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with a submission deadline of December 1st. Interviews are conducted by invitation only between November and January.

Visa Support

The program supports visa applications for qualified international candidates. Specific visa types sponsored may include J-1 visas, which are commonly utilized by medical trainees coming from outside the United States. This support facilitates entry into the fellowship and ensures that international fellows can complete their training in Puerto Rico.

Resident Life and Benefits

Fellows are part of a tight-knit community within the UPR Internal Medicine program. Residents describe the experience as much more than strenuous training; it’s characterized as a family-oriented atmosphere where peers provide emotional support and camaraderie. Fellows engage in a well-rounded academic schedule complemented by practical experiences encountering diverse patient populations.

Fellows also receive benefits, which include a stipend that varies based on their level of training, vacation time, medical insurance, and additional provisions such as malpractice insurance and maternity/paternity leave, thereby promoting a balanced professional and personal life.