The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program provides fellows with an opportunity to train in research with ID clinician scientists.
Research Fellowship Experience
During year two, UAB ID fellows have the opportunity to apply to our internally funded post-doctoral research fellowship program. Fellows in this mentored program work on research projects in areas of our faculty’s longstanding expertise and funding: HIV, STIs, and other viral and fungal infections. They also draw from our faculty’s expertise in hospital epidemiology, infection prevention, and immunocompromised hosts.
Our program draws from the Division’s experience with an NIH T32-funded program and is modeled after successful T32 programs today. The program offers mentored training in the epidemiology, implementation science, and pathogenesis of ID, with a focus on HIV, STIs, other viral and fungal infections, immunocompromised hosts, and hospital epidemiology.
This research program is embedded in an outstanding training environment at UAB -- one that has a strong history of interdisciplinary collaboration across divisions, departments, and schools and provides a singular environment for mentoring trainees in research and preparing them for careers in academia, public health, and industry. The core activities and mentoring structure for this proposal are situated in the Division of Adult ID.
Research fellows select one of three methodological tracks of focus: pathogenesis and immunology, epidemiology, health outcomes, and implementation science. Faculty with expertise in these tracks work within the identified topic areas, providing a robust, interdisciplinary training environment.
Each track has components tailored to the area of focus, including core methods didactics recommended for all trainees that are informed by prior training, experiences, and interests. Leadership and team science training is also incorporated into the fellowship experience.
Tracks
Pathogenesis and Immunology Track
This track offers laboratory-based research opportunities in bacterial or viral pathogens, including pathogenesis, immunology, and molecular epidemiology. Scholars receive rigorous laboratory-based training in close association with established laboratories and successful mentors.
| Sample methods training opportunities for this track |
|---|
| Clinical & Translational Science Training Program (UAB-CCTS) |
| Microbial Pathogenesis |
| Pathogenomics Journal Club |
| Intro to Immunology, I, II |
| Mucosal Immunology |
| Lymphocyte Biology |
| Prokaryotic Genetics & Molec. Biol. |
| Virology |
| Intro to Structural Biology |
Epidemiology Track
This track offers research opportunities in clinical epidemiology, clinical trials, and observational analysis. Scholars will learn skills needed to perform research in populations with or at risk for infections, with attention to measuring exposure and outcomes, and implementing robust study designs. Trainees will have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in epidemiology or a related field.
| Sample methods training opportunities for this track |
|---|
| Principles of Epidemiological Research |
| Quant. methods in epi |
| Intermediate statistical analysis, I, II |
| University of Washington HIV/STI Course (2 weeks) |
| Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases |
| Intermediate statistical analysis III |
| Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology |
| ID of Global Health Significance |
Health Outcomes and Implementation Science Track
This track recognizes the growing need for rigorous training in health outcomes research and the science of translating research to practice. Scholars will develop knowledge and skills needed to understand implementation and health outcomes research, with individualized programming offered to enhance methodologies often applied within these scientific fields (e.g., qualitative research).
| Sample methods training opportunities for this track |
|---|
| Dissemination and Implementation Science in Health Care |
| Population and Health Outcomes Research Seminar Series |
| Inter-CFAR IS Fellowship |
| Implementation Sci. Hub lecture series (Monthly) |
| Health Disparities in Diverse Populations |
| Foundations of Qualitative Research. |
| Qualitative Research: Analysis and Interpretation. |
| COERE Methods Symposium |
Apply
Applicants will include MDs or MD/PhDs from the UAB clinical ID fellowship programs. Entry to this program will be a two-step process: first, acceptance into year one of the UAB ID fellowship program, followed by formal application to this program at the end of year one.
The selection process emphasizes commitment by the candidate to a research-related career, alignment of their proposed project with ID research, and with the proposed faculty mentor and mentorship team. Applicants will submit a current CV and formal Statement of Interest including their project title and proposed or confirmed mentors. Two letters of recommendation are also required.
The annual window for submissions will be opened April 15 through June 15, with a fellowship start date of July 1.
Let's get acquainted
It's not just what you learn. It's also about the people you learn with. Our Research Infectious Diseases Fellowship program leaders are dedicated to developing the potential of every talented trainee.
Meet our people
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What additional training opportunities does your program offer?
UAB Infectious Diseases Fellowship Tracks
The UAB Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is proud to offer tracks that are tailored to prepare fellows for specialized careers in their unique area of interest.
Transplant and Immunocompromised Infectious Diseases
UAB is the only solid organ and stem cell transplant provider in the state of Alabama. Patients come from everywhere in the state plus neighboring states, to seek care for these and related medical conditions. All fellows will have exposure to this area of focus during their general fellowship.
Opportunties for more advanced training can range from a clinical focus (inpatient and outpatient) during the second-year of fellowship to more expansive training with more research opportunities during the third-year of fellowship.Antibiotic Stewardship
There are increasing opportunties for hands-on exposure to stewardship at both UAB and the Birmingham VA. Our Antibiotic Stewardship track can be a defined, month-long elective or a second-year focus. Activies for this track can include, but are not limited to, Medication use evaluations, protocol development, pre-prescription review, audit and feedback, diagnostic based stewardship feedback (rapid diagnostics on blood cultures), diagnostic stewardship, and handshake stewardship. Support for basic and advances Antibiotic Stewardship curricula are available via the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Hosptial Epidemiology and Infection Prevention
Our Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention can be defined as a month-long elective or a second-year focus. We also offer extended training with research opportunities for third-year fellows. Trainees engage with these specialized projects at UAB and the Birmingham VA. Activities can include, but are not limited to, observation of hospital-acquired infection surveillance and surveillance software, weekly multidisciplinary meetings and committe meetings, root cause analysis, surgical site infection prevention meetings, cluster and/or outbreak investigation, hand hygience, PPE, and disinfection observation.
Medical Education
This year-long certification program is offered to a multidsiciplinary group of second-year fellows within the Department of Medicine. The curriculum combines weekly didactics and project development.
Opportunties for Additional Third-Year Training
Internal Opportunities
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology and Infectious Prevention
- External Opportunities
External Opportunities
- Critical Care Medicine
- Medical Microbiology Fellowship (begins July 2025)
-
What will I need to apply?
All applications are reviewed via Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS), #1007146F0. The following documents are required:
-
Current CV (updated within 3 months)
-
Medical School Transcripts (and diploma if requested)
-
Medical School Dean’s Letter
-
Three (3) total Letters of Recommendation (including former program directors)
-
Certificate/verification from previous residency training
-
Must be eligible for Alabama Medical License and Alabama Controlled Substance Certificate (all step scores completed at the time of application)
-
Must be eligible for Federal DEA registration
-
Valid ECFMG Certificate (IMG only)
We do not accept any addtional documents outside of ERAS submissions.
-
-
Is there a minimum USMLE score required?
There is no minimum USMLE score requirement. We take the score into account as part of the overall review of an application.
-
What are the key program dates for Applications?
Applications Open and Close — June through May: Apply through ERAS
Applications Reviewed — July, must be available by August 1
Interview Invitations Released — August
Interviews Dates:
- August 28
- September 4
- September 11
- September 25
- October 2
- October 9
- October 16
Match Day — December 3
Fellowship begins — July 1
-
Do you sponsor H1B or J1 Visas?
Yes, the division can sponsor these Visas.
-
What are the salaries & benefits for fellows?
Our program provides benefits and insurance plans available to all fellows at UAB. You can find the list of salaries and benefits for fellows based on PGY level here.
-
What is the cost of living in Birmingham?
Birmingham offers a vibrant urban lifestyle at a cost that’s approximately 9% below the national average. Trainees enjoy access to thriving neighborhoods, a nationally recognized food scene, and a dynamic creative community.
Got more questions? Reach out and let's talk.
I'd be delighted to talk with you about the many exciting possibilities that await you at UAB and Birmingham. Contact me for more information about the research infectious diseases fellowship.
Christina Muzny, MD, MSPH, Program Director
Send an Email
I'm always ready to answer questions about our program. Please feel free to contact me for more details about the fellowship.
Rebekah Barnett, Education Administrator
Send an Email