Clinical Microbiology, M.D. or Post Ph.D. Fellowship (Minnesota)

Program Description

The Clinical Microbiology Fellowship Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester is designed to provide extensive training in medical microbiology. This fellowship will develop your knowledge and skill in diagnostic microbiology, clinical consultation related to microbiology and infectious diseases and clinical laboratory management. A strong emphasis is also placed on laboratory research, particularly on the development of new diagnostic tests.

You will receive training in all areas of clinical microbiology, including the isolation and identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria, mycobacteria and fungi, and the detection and identification of viruses and parasites.

The fellowship also includes training in immunodiagnostic procedures for the diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections. You will receive training in the use of molecular diagnostic techniques, including real-time PCR and pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Special emphasis is placed on clinical-laboratory correlation, interpretation of laboratory results, and the planning, organization, performance and analysis of projects.

Individuals appropriate for the program are those interested in gaining knowledge and experience to help them direct clinical microbiology laboratories and become eligible for board certification in this specialty.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester offers two clinical microbiology fellowship programs:

Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Program is a two-year program designed for fellows with a doctoral degree who want specific training in clinical microbiology.

M.D. Program

The M.D. Program is a one-year program designed for fellows with a medical degree and acceptable previous residency training in the United States or Canada in pathology or an infectious diseases fellowship.

Both programs give you comprehensive training and hands-on experience and have a strong clinical component, which includes on-call responsibilities with each rotation.

When you successfully complete either program, you will be prepared for a career as a director of a clinical microbiology laboratory that diagnoses infections caused by bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, parasites and viruses.

Whether you choose the one- or two-year program, you will learn:

• The principles and procedures involved in the proper selection and collection of
  specimens.
• Methods to perform immunoassays to detect antibodies formed against
  bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens.
• The methods used to cultivate microorganisms.
• The detection process for microbial antigens, nucleic acids, or metabolic
  products.
• The significance and interpretation of laboratory results as they pertain to
  various host populations.
• Principles of laboratory management.

Accreditation

The Ph.D. Program is accredited by the Committee on Postdoctoral Educational Programs of the American Academy of Microbiology.

The M.D. Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and meets the certification requirements of the American Board of Pathology (in Medical Microbiology).

Certification

When you successfully complete Mayo Clinic's Clinical Microbiology Fellowship Ph.D. Program and the experience requirement, you will be eligible for certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology.

When you successfully complete the M.D. Program, you will be eligible for certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology and the American Board of Pathology (in Medical Microbiology).

Evaluation

Fellows are evaluated at the completion of each rotation, which may range in length from four to 16 weeks. Evaluations assess fellow competence in (1) patient care; (2) medical knowledge; (3) professionalism; (4) systems-based practice; (5) practice-based learning and improvement; and (6) interpersonal and communication skills.

At least two times per year the program director meets with each fellow to review their evaluations and discuss professional growth. In addition, allied health staff and residents are asked to evaluate the fellow's performance periodically.

Fellows are able to view their evaluations electronically. Final written summative evaluations are completed for each fellow upon completion of the program.

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