University of South Florida Morsani (All Children's) Program

The Allergy and Immunology Fellowship program at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine, located at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a comprehensive and rigorous training experience in the field of allergy and immunology. This program has been accredited by the ACGME since 1988, indicating its adherence to the highest standards of education and training.

The fellowship encompasses two years of clinical training, followed by an optional third year focusing on research in immunology or allergic diseases. Each year, two first-year and two second-year fellows are enrolled, providing intimate training settings with substantial opportunities for mentorship and professional development. Completing the required two years of fellowship training qualifies graduates to sit for the American Board of Allergy and Immunology certification examination.

Program Goals

The primary aim of the program is to cultivate specialists capable of offering comprehensive medical care for patients with allergic and immunologic disorders. Graduates will be equipped to serve as consultants, educators, and physician scientists in intriguing areas such as asthma, eczema, food allergies, primary immune deficiency diseases, and other immunologically mediated disorders. The fellows will divide their time equally between clinical training and engaged research, which includes activities such as journal clubs, didactic sessions, and case reviews, thus ensuring a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

Fellows engage in clinical training at various locations to experience a broad range of allergic and immunologic conditions. Training occurs primarily at the USF Specialty Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and at Florida Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates in Tampa. Here, fellows gain exposure to both pediatric and adult populations and multiple allergen-related disorders, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies.3 Clinical procedures such as skin tests, spirometry, and food challenge testing are routinely performed under the supervision of experienced, board-certified specialists.

Clinical experiences also include rotations in other pertinent specialties, such as dermatology, rheumatology, and pulmonology, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive training. Rotations within the inpatient consult service at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital provide fellows with opportunities to diagnose and manage cases requiring hospitalization, deepening their understanding of advanced allergic and immunological diseases 2.

Didactic and Research Opportunities

Fellows participate in a diverse array of didactic sessions and research conferences designed to enhance their understanding of clinical immunology and ongoing research in the field. Regular conferences include case discussions, research presentations, and sessions led by guest speakers, fostering an environment of applied learning and knowledge sharing 4.

Research Facilities and Projects

The Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Laboratory is housed within the Children’s Research Institute (CRI) at USF, which is well-equipped for comprehensive research, including studies focused on severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and microbiome impacts on immunodeficiencies. The lab encompasses significant resources, including advanced biorepository facilities and access to substantial research funding from NIH and pharmaceutical sources, enhancing the research potential for fellows 5.

Competitive Application Process

Applying to the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship program involves a competitive selection process, where candidates are required to submit their applications through ERAS. Essential application materials include letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, medical transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. The program actively seeks candidates with strong clinical skills and research interests 2.

Visa Support

The program provides necessary visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), typically sponsoring J-1 Visa types. This support ensures that talented fellows from various backgrounds can participate in this enriching training experience, contributing to the diverse learning environment within the program.

Faculty and Mentorship

With an esteemed faculty composed of experienced professionals dedicated to teaching and mentorship, the program fosters daily interactions between fellows and faculty during formal conferences and clinical rotations. This engagement plays a critical role in the fellows' education and professional growth, ensuring they receive continual guidance and support throughout their training 6.

Library and Educational Resources

The program offers extensive educational support through access to medical libraries and online resources, allowing fellows to remain current with the latest research and clinical practices in allergy and immunology. The availability of library resources enhances the fellows' educational experience, enabling them to access essential texts and journals at any time 7.