The Gilead - Academic Alliance Foundation - IDSA/HIVMA Exchange Program in International Medicine for ID Fellows

Objective

To develop the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), the “Center of Excellence” in Africa, for training of physicians in international infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS. The program, in partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, will act as a magnet to identify and attract top, young North American physicians from adult and pediatric infectious diseases programs to experience international medicine, including infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS, at the IDI. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of international medicine leadership.

Program Outline

AAF will fund 4 US/Canadian physicians in training for 6 months.

The goals of the program are to provide a strong international medical education and a basic overview of the complexities and challenges associated with infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings. This program also builds productive relationships between AAF, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Gilead Sciences through our collective role in their continuing education.

Selected trainees will receive:

round-trip, economy-class airfare
room and board

weekday ground transportation
a reasonable per diem allowance

The following are not provided:

salary -- it is expected that salary will continue to be paid by the fellow's home institution
entertainment expenses (including nighttime and weekend transportation)

Clinical & Research Experience

Trainees will work at IDI for six months and participate in both inpatient and outpatient clinical experiences at the adult HIV/AIDS clinic of IDI, the inpatient wards of Mulago hospital, and the pediatric HIV/AIDS clinic. The length of time spent at each venue will depend on the interest and background of each fellow.

In addition, each trainee will conduct a research project. The research may be conducted in the clinical arena of any of the three venues mentioned above, the Institute of Public Health, the Uganda Cancer Center, the laboratory of IDI or of other participating Ugandan institutions, or a combination of these.

ACGME/RRC Accreditation

At this time, the ACGME/RRC does not allow more than a four- to six-week absence of a fellow from his or her accredited institution during the two years that are "accredited" during his or her fellowship. However, a fellow could take a leave of absence from the "accredited portion" of his or her fellowship if it is in synch with maintaining the six-month continuity clinic blocks that are required at his or her accredited institution. Currently, service at IDI does not count toward a fellow's clinic continuity requirement. Fellows can elect to do this rotation during their third year of research.

Fellowship Dates and Nomination Deadlines

2008

Session 1: Begins January 1, 2008 (application deadline: November 30, 2007) (note: the deadline has been extended.)
Session 2: Begins July 1, 2008 (application deadline: Feb. 29 2008)

Nomination Process

The candidate must submit the following online application, including the following supporting materials:

Curriculum Vitae, including a description of current and previous positions, research interests, honors/awards/organizations, research and related activities, publications/presentations, and licensure
Personal Essay (up to 500 words)describing (1) what the candidate would like to explore during the fellowship and (2) how this fellowship would increase his/her ability to reach personal and professional goals.
Two letters of recommendation, including one from the residency or fellowship program director and one from another faculty member

[ONLINE APPLICATION]

NOTE: Applications and accompanying materials of support (e.g. curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation) must be submitted electronically following the submission of the application.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

Enrollment in an approved residency or fellowship
Demonstrated interest in issues related to HIV and infectious diseases
Perceived potential for a career in academic public health or infectious diseases
Academic accomplishment
Heavy emphasis will also be placed on an applicant’s ability to train other health care providers and influence the quality of care beyond individual practices.

A committee from IDSA and HIVMA will select the fellows and announce its decision within two weeks of each application deadline. Decisions will be made within two weeks of the application deadline.

Contact Information

For more information about the program, contact Jennifer Rainey at jrainey@idsociety.org or (703) 299-1215.