Research & Conferences | Infectious Disease Fellowship

The division of infectious diseases is involved in an increasing spectrum of research projects. In addition to a long history of research into the epidemiology and biology of vector-borne disease, the division has developed active research projects in areas ranging from antimicrobial stewardship to the infectious disease complications of opioid use disorder.

Research projects that make a real difference

Second-year fellows are encouraged to develop their own research project with appropriate faculty supervision drawn from the division of infectious diseases, the MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR), or in collaboration with other divisions. Interprofessional work is encouraged, and there are opportunities to work with medical students and residents on scholarly projects.

Fellows can work with the Center for Interdisciplinary Population and Health Research. The MHIR also provides supervision and a laboratory setting for the application of molecular biology and immunology to infectious disease research.

Conferences

Fellows have a weekly didactic series with presentations from infectious disease attending physicians and pharmacists. They also regularly participate in a journal club session with all faculty.

We have a weekly case-based conference with case presentations prepared by fellows, residents and students. Case discussions include participation from all faculty plus invited infectious disease physicians from across the state. Quarterly, we meet with the Maine CDC to review recent public health concerns in a collaborative environment.

Additionally, there is a weekly interprofessional meeting after the MaineHealth Adult Specialty Care Gilman St Portland session to review cases and provide specific education on topics related to HIV.

Finally, fellows are expected to attend a monthly advanced fellow seminar where topics range from financial planning to practice in value-based care arrangements to presentation skills.