Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The pediatric infectious diseases fellowship program at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is an ACGME-accredited, three-year training program located in Richmond, Virginia. The program’s primary training site is the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, which includes the newly constructed Children’s Pavilion and the Children’s Tower, setting a new standard in pediatric healthcare facilities. This comprehensive campus facilitates the integration of various pediatric services, enhancing the training experience for fellows.

The program aims to cultivate leaders in the field of pediatric infectious diseases through exceptional clinical training, diverse educational experiences, and outstanding opportunities for scholarly work. This commitment is evident in the curriculum, which offers a structured yet flexible approach tailored to individual interests and career aspirations.

Clinical Training

The fellowship includes 12 months of rigorous clinical training, combining both inpatient and outpatient consultations. Clinical experiences are predominantly emphasized during the first year, as this serves to build a strong foundation in managing infectious diseases common in pediatrics. The fellows will spend an average of five to six months on the inpatient consultation service, where they will supervise medical students, interns, and residents.

Additional clinical rotations cover various aspects of infectious diseases, with fellows having opportunities to engage in clinical microbiology/virology, hospital epidemiology, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, immunology, and cystic fibrosis. A unique feature of the fellowship is the continuity clinic experience in the Women, Youth, and Children (WYC) HIV clinic, where fellows will engage with a multidisciplinary team addressing various aspects of pediatric HIV care.

Call Schedule

Fellows are required to take pager call overnight when on the consult service, but they are never obligated to take in-house night calls. A structured call schedule ensures that fellows maintain a work-life balance, with ample time off during the week.

Research Training

A critical component of the fellowship is the research training, which adheres to ACGME requirements for pediatric infectious diseases. Each fellow is expected to dedicate substantial time to research, particularly during the second and third years. They will benefit from mentorship across various departments in the VCU Medical Center and have opportunities to engage with faculty across multiple disciplines.

Fellows are encouraged to develop and pursue hypothesis-driven research projects, culminating in publication in peer-reviewed journals. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of diverse research themes and collaboration with established faculty mentors who provide guidance in research methodologies and project development.

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases hosts a biweekly clinical conference for case discussions and literature review, offering a platform for fellows to present findings and engage critically with current research. Additionally, fellows are integrated into a range of didactic sessions and educational conferences that enrich their understanding of infectious diseases.

Combined Fellowship Training

For those interested, the program offers a combined fellowship opportunity in collaboration with internal medicine, providing a comprehensive four-year training in both adult and pediatric infectious diseases. This pathway is tailored for residents who have completed a dual residency in internal medicine and pediatrics.

Application Process

Applications to the pediatric infectious diseases fellowship must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program is open to a variety of applicants, including graduates from MD and DO programs, and demonstrates a preference for a diverse applicant pool, including international medical graduates (IMGs).

Visa Support

The fellowship program is amenable to sponsoring visas for qualified international applicants, thereby increasing accessibility for diverse candidates. The specific visa categories supported may include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating entry for international medical graduates to participate in this prestigious training program.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at CHoR is considered competitive, attracting candidates who demonstrate strong clinical skills, research capabilities, and a commitment to the field. The program evaluates applicants based on multiple components, including medical school performance, USMLE scores, residency performance, letters of recommendation, and personal statements highlighting their interests and dedication to pediatric infectious diseases.