Program Overview

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Introduction to the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program

The Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a two-year program that provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients. The program is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to become leaders in the field of infectious diseases.

Program Overview

The program is a combined fellowship program with McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC) and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). The program provides a unique opportunity for fellows to rotate through different hospitals and gain experience in managing a wide range of infectious diseases.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed an internal medicine residency program and be board-eligible or board-certified in internal medicine. The application process typically begins in the summer of the year preceding the start of the fellowship program.

Program Goals and Objectives

The program has several goals and objectives, including:

• Acquiring proficiency and expertise in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of common and unusual infectious diseases in immunocompromised and cancer patients
• Recognizing and managing infectious and non-infectious complications associated with commonly used immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and adoptive cellular therapies
• Understanding the current cancer treatment modalities that have implications in the increased risk, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases
• Developing proficiency in the interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular-based diagnosis of infectious agents

Program Structure and Curriculum

The program consists of a combination of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, and research experiences. Fellows spend at least 12 months in clinical rotations, including rotations in infectious diseases consult services, microbiology laboratory, and antimicrobial stewardship. The program also includes a research component, where fellows have the opportunity to work with experienced faculty members on research projects.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in clinical rotations in various settings, including:

• Infectious diseases consult services
• Microbiology laboratory
• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Infection control

Research Opportunities

Fellows have the opportunity to work on research projects with experienced faculty members. The program encourages fellows to present their research at national and international conferences and to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.

Faculty and Leadership

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of infectious diseases. The faculty members provide guidance, mentorship, and support to fellows throughout the program.

Support Staff

The program has a dedicated support staff, including program managers and coordinators, who provide administrative support and assistance to fellows.

Clinical Microbiology Department

The program has access to a state-of-the-art clinical microbiology laboratory that provides comprehensive services for the identification and isolation of viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan parasites.

Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialists

The program has a team of infectious diseases clinical pharmacy specialists who provide expert guidance on the management of infectious diseases and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Infection Control

The program has a strong focus on infection control, with a team of infection control specialists who work to prevent, detect, monitor, and contain potential infectious disease threats.

Trainee Success and Program Outcomes

The program has a strong track record of success, with fellows publishing original research papers in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences. The program also has a high board pass rate, with all fellows passing the ABIM Infectious Diseases board examination.

Fellow and Faculty Publications

The program has a strong research focus, with fellows and faculty members publishing numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals. The program also has a strong track record of presenting research at national and international conferences.

Why This Program

The program offers a unique opportunity for fellows to gain comprehensive training in infectious diseases, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and a strong research focus. The program is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to become leaders in the field of infectious diseases.

Institutional Benefits and Support

The program offers a range of institutional benefits and support, including:

• Competitive salary stipends
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement planning
• Disability insurance
• Six weeks of parental leave
• Access to employee networks
• Fitness center
• Wellness resources

Beyond MD Anderson

The program is located in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center, providing fellows with access to a wide range of medical specialties and research opportunities. The city of Houston is also a great place to call home, with a low cost of living, fine dining, entertainment scene, and nationally renowned museums.

Our Labs

The program has access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including the clinical microbiology laboratory, where fellows can gain hands-on experience in microbiology and molecular diagnostics.

Conferences

The program offers a range of conferences and seminars, including the Infectious Diseases Conference, the Microbiology Conference, and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference, where fellows can learn from experienced faculty members and present their research.

Subscribe

The program offers a range of subscription options, including the Cancerwise newsletter, where fellows can stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field of infectious diseases.