Infectious Diseases Fellowship Application Guide
Most infectious Disease programs require the submission of applications through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) on the December cycle. Information regarding registration, policies and procedures may be found on the ERAS website (www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htm). However, application deadlines and requirements are program specific; therefore you should also check individual ID program web sites.
Most ID training programs participate in the Medical Specialties Matching Program (MSMP). Check the MSMP website (www.nrmp.org/fellow/match_name/msmp/dates.html) for participating programs and specific dates in the year in which you apply. In general, you should anticipate gathering letters of recommendation and writing your personal statement beginning in July of your 2nd year of Residency.
Timeline for applications for training beginning on July 1, 2011
Mid-June 2009: MyERAS User Guide available.
July 1, 2009: MyERAS Website opens to applicants to begin working on their applications.
November 15, 2009: Applicants begin posting their applications to the ERAS system.
December 1, 2009: Programs begin downloading completed applications.
December 2009 - May 2010: Interviews are conducted.
January 2010: Registration for the match. Rank Order list opens in early April.
Early June 2010: NMRP MSMP Rank Order list closes.
Late June 2010: Match Day for training beginning on July 1, 2011.
Remember that you apply 1 year in advance i.e. if you apply in your 2nd year of residency you will start the fellowship after you’ve finished your 3rd year. If you apply in your 3rd year you will have a year “off” before you begin your ID fellowship unless you are able to obtain an unmatched position outside of the match.
General Advice
Think about what kind of ID career you want (clinical or bench research, private practice etc.) and carefully review the program’s information to be sure it will prepare you for it. Do the fellows routinely receive research grants (NIH K awards etc.)? What is the track record of fellows after they leave the program? How many have faculty or governmental positions? Does the program have a T32 training grant to support fellow research? Can you obtain auxiliary training (MPH etc.)? Do most fellows do a 2 or 3 year ID fellowship? Only 2 years are required for ABIM board certification, but for research careers at least 3 years of fellowship is the norm. Take time writing your personal statement to be sure it truly reflects why you are interested in ID and what your career goals are. A rehash of your statement from medical school or residency will not suffice. If possible add in something different or personal about yourself and your interests to help you stand out. Carefully consider whom you ask to write your letters of recommendation. Most letters are “good”; therefore, a letter from a renowned infectious disease expert who says that you are one of the top 5 people they have ever had in their laboratory will have more meaning than a letter from a new instructor in another subspecialty. However, you do not want a lukewarm letter from anyone. For academic/research programs it is useful to have publications, case reports and/or current involvement with a study. Be sure to do your homework before going on an interview. Write and politely ask if you might meet with people you’ve identified at the program who share your interests. During your interview ask questions that are program specific. You don’t want to come off as if this is just another stop on your tour. Follow up with an e-mail of thanks, but be genuine. And if you are really interested, send a second e-mail before the match lists are due outlining what you really like about the program and how it could help you meet your goals/career interests. If you don’t get an interview somewhere use our connections – someone in Medicine can make a call for you.
Contacts
Linnie Golightly, MD
Infectious Disease Fellowship Program Director
E-mail: [email protected]
Kristen Marks, MD
Infectious Disease Fellowship Associate Program Director
E-mail: [email protected]
