Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis is a prestigious, fully ACGME-accredited three-year program situated within a nationally recognized academic medical center. This program is designed to provide fellows with extensive clinical exposure, a robust foundation in research, and ultimately prepare them for successful careers in pediatric infectious diseases.

Program Structure

The structure of the fellowship is meticulously crafted to meet the varied educational and professional aspirations of the fellows, starting from a comprehensive orientation month that includes training in clinical microbiology laboratories and core curriculum sessions by expert faculty. In the first year, fellows engage in both inpatient consultations—working on general infectious diseases and with immunocompromised patients—as well as outpatient clinical service, ensuring a well-rounded experience. This orientation not only equips fellows with hands-on experiences but also helps them formulate their scholarly projects by providing dedicated research time to pursue individual interests in infectious diseases.

As fellows advance to their second and third years, they experience increased autonomy and can tailor their schedules according to individual career interests, allowing flexibility in clinical rotation opportunities while also engaging in significant research initiatives. By the end of the program, fellows will have developed a substantial body of scholarly work, which they present at conferences and other professional gatherings, thus fostering their transition into academic health careers.

Clinical Training Sites

Clinical training predominantly occurs at St. Louis Children's Hospital, a leading pediatric quaternary referral center recognized for its commitment to providing the highest standard of care. This facility allows fellows to gain exposure to a diverse patient population and a variety of infectious disease cases which is critical for developing clinical competency.

Furthermore, this outstanding training site not only facilitates standard training but also encourages fellows to engage with various multidisciplinary teams, further enriching their clinical and learning experiences.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship is characterized by its considerable emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to pursue diverse research projects that align with their interests. Opportunities exist for fellows to undertake advanced degrees during the fellowship, which can be integrated seamlessly with clinical responsibilities. The program fosters collaboration with mentors across various departments, allowing fellows to engage in research that spans topics from global health to clinical informatics and antimicrobial stewardship.

Alongside this, fellows are supported with guidance in grant writing and access to significant funding sources including institutional NIH T32 Training Grants, further enhancing their research experience.

Educational Seminars and Career Development

The educational environment at Washington University is robust and conducive to career growth. The program offers a variety of seminars aimed at advancing fellows’ knowledge and skills in medical education. Such initiatives include comprehensive teaching opportunities in medical education, which allow fellows to refine their instructional capabilities while shaping future practitioners. Additionally, fellows can engage in specialized pathways focusing on topics like antimicrobial stewardship, further enriching their educational experience.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is committed to welcoming an international candidate pool and offers sponsorship for J1 and H1B visas, facilitating the participation of diverse fellows from various backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The selection process for the fellowship is highly competitive, with preference given to applicants with strong academic backgrounds and relevant pediatric residency training. Noteworthy application requirements include the need for a completed USMLE or COMLEX transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation that reflect the candidate’s suitability for pediatric infectious diseases. Additionally, international medical graduates must have completed their residency at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution to be eligible.

Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the commitment to scholarly activity and the meticulous application process outlined, including interviews which are designed to assess both clinical aptitude and research potential.

Fellow Life

Life as a fellow in this program is enriched by a vibrant community characterized by camaraderie and collaborative learning. The fellows participate in various social and professional events, contributing to a supportive atmosphere that underscores the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Such initiatives enhance the overall fellowship experience and contribute positively to the work-life balance.