Clinical Pathology

Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Fellowship ProgramDivision of Clinical Microbiology

This program is a two-year postdoctoral fellowship accredited by the American Society for Microbiology Subcommittee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP). Training in the fellowship program qualifies the participant eligibility to become certified by the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) in Medical and Public Health Laboratory Microbiology.

Background:

The trainee participates in the UTMB Health Fellowship Program in Medical and Public Health Laboratory Microbiology, as established through the Division of Clinical Microbiology of the Department of Pathology. This program is accredited by the American Society for Microbiology Subcommittee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP), which requires specified “Essentials and Guidelines” for training (https://asm.org/Fellowships/CPEP). The program provides the Fellow with in-depth knowledge of clinical aspects of infectious diseases, specifically as they apply to laboratory diagnosis. Training in this program includes practical bench exercises/training, Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Services clinical experiences, self-instructional materials, as well as other pertinent teaching modalities involving various aspects of laboratory management, laboratory safety, epidemiology, and public health. In addition, program fellows spend a significant amount of time conducting original or collaborative research in conjunction with their clinical training.

Faculty:

Training in the fellowship program is organized and monitored by the program faculty directors. The Fellow’s progress in the program is discussed during scheduled weekly meetings with the directors. During these meetings, the program curriculum objectives are reviewed and progress and expectations for the Fellow in meeting these objectives are discussed. In addition to the program directors, a departmental/interdepartmental Faculty Task Force is available to actively support the Fellow in meeting program objectives. Formal evaluation of the program fellow is conducted in accordance with UTMB employee evaluation policy.

Curriculum:

First Year

In the first year of training, program Fellows are tasked to complete bench rotations in diagnostic bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods, cytopathology and learn/master techniques used in the molecular diagnosis of infectious disease. Daily responsibilities include review and interpretation of patient care test data in preparation of laboratory rounds, and Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic Management Team (DMT) conferences. Fellows also attend/participate in Infectious Disease Conferences, Pathology Grand Rounds and other medical conferences and administrative meetings, as assigned.

Second Year

During the second year of training, program fellows assist with the On-Call Service of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and are responsible for completing a laboratory leadership and management course. Fellows collaboratively apply their expertise of the clinical microbiology laboratory acquired in the first year to external rotations in infection control, Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Services, and antimicrobial stewardship. In addition, Fellows are assigned a specific section of the laboratory where they are responsible for direction and management in service as “Acting Director”.

Teaching Opportunities

As part of this training in clinical microbiology, the Fellow also teaches and interacts with Pathology residents and fellows in Infectious Diseases/Pharmacy, as well as medical and clinical laboratory sciences students, on a regular basis. The intended result of this interaction is a broadened training experience for the Fellow.

Clinical Research Opportunities

Research is an important component of this training program. Fellows spend time conducting vendor-sponsored studies, evaluating new tests, analyzing clinical value of specific tests, validating laboratory developed tests and/or other clinical research in conjunction with other training objectives. Fellows are strongly encouraged to present their research data at local and national conferences, as well as publish such findings.

American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM):

On completion of training, the Fellow becomes eligible to sit for the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) examination (https://asm.org/Certifications/American-Board-of-Medical-Microbiology), which certifies doctoral-level microbiologists to direct medical and public health microbiology laboratories.

Program Eligibilty:

Required/Minimum Qualifications: Fellowship position is open to postdoctoral-level candidates including, Ph.D., M.D., Sc.D., D.O., and Dr. P.H.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in clinical microbiology is not required but will be given consideration.

Supervisor: Director, CPEP-approved Fellowship Program in Medical and Public Health Laboratory Microbiology

Salary: Based on current UTMB Resident/Fellow salary structure.

Physical Location of Position: Clinical Services Wing, Room 7.100, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0424

Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To apply to the program, please see information at the following website:
Apply for a CPEP Clinical Fellowship | ASM.org