FOCiS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

UAB’s Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Autoimmunity Center has been honored to be distinguished as one of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCiS) Centers of Excellence, which represent distinguished foci of clinical immunology at multiple, international institutions. The centers were organized to intensify and accelerate local multidisciplinary scientific and clinical innovation, education, and advocacy. This network of institutions accelerates innovation in investigation and clinical practice.  In the four years since its creation, the network of FCEs have:

• Established local networks of physicians and investigators
• Raised awareness for clinical immunology at academic medical institutions

The FCE provides interdisciplinary training programs for students, fellows and continuing education of physicians through FOCIS assisted opportunities such as the:

• Advanced Course in Basic & Clinical Immunology
• Medical Undergraduate Immunology Course
• FOCIS Centers of Excellence Cell Series Program
• FOCIS Annual Meeting and Trainee Satellite Symposium (see below)

More Information on the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCiS)

To learn more about FOCiS Centers of Excellence.

 
FOCIS TRAINEE SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM
TSS is held the day before the FOCIS Annual Meeting. This day-long forum provides the opportunity for two trainees from each of the 66 FOCIS Center of Excellence (FCE) to present their most novel and innovative research. All trainees present posters and ten are selected to give oral presentations. TSS is an exclusive function of the FOCIS Centers of Excellence (FCE).

As a FOCiS Center of Excellence, the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmunity Center generally has the opportunity to nominate two (2) trainees (Predoc, Postdoc, a/o Clinical Fellow) to participate in the FOCIS Trainee Satellite Symposium in conjunction with the annual FOCIS meeting each June.  This is a wonderful opportunity to present an abstract at a national meeting and a unique opportunity for trainees to network with leaders in their field at an exclusive event (TSS) reserved for Centers of Excellence members.

At the FOCIS TSS, Trainee abstracts are scored and the top ten have the opportunity to give oral presentations in front of their trainee/fellow colleagues as well as FCE Directors. They also will have an FCE Director mentor assigned to them to critique their presentation and provide pointers prior to their talk. All other trainees will present a poster at the FOCIS meeting Opening Reception. Poster presentations will be scored by FCE Directors and the top two posters will receive acknowledgement at the Opening Reception.


Nominations are solicited each December – Be on the lookout for the RFA!