All fellows will spend three months on an active Transplant ID (TxID) service during their clinical year of training. The clinical service is staffed by 11 core faculty committed to training ID fellows in the care of immunocompromised hosts. Duke is a high-volume solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant center with continued growth anticipated. Trainees receive intensive clinical exposure to a growing population of immunocompromised hosts including:
-
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients
-
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients
-
Patients with hematologic malignancy receiving chemotherapy
-
Ventricular assist device recipients
The second option is a three-year training program on our NIAID sponsored T32 Transplant ID Training Grant (AI100851), the purpose of which is to train physician-scientists in the care of transplant / immunocompromised hosts (ICH) and innovative methods of scientific research in this population. Trainees on this track will spend 6 months on the Transplant ID clinical service during their second year and the remaining 2.5 years performing clinical or basic science research focused on transplant/ICH. Trainees in both tracks will have one half-day of TxID clinic per week.
Duke offers an exceptional environment and outstanding institutional resources for unparalleled training in TxID, including in infection prevention, clinical care, and research. We are committed to training the next generation of physician scientists who will ultimately advance the field of TxID and improve outcomes for the vulnerable and complex immunocompromised host.
Barbara D. Alexander, MD, MHS, Director, TxID Service and TxID Fellowship Programs
Transplant ID trainees receive formal instruction on fundamental concepts in the art and science of transplantation including: immunobiology of transplantation; pharmacology of immunosuppressive therapy; advances in therapy and diagnostic guidelines; scientific writing; research design; and ethical and regulatory issues. Trainees will pursue transdisciplinary research in one of four areas of emphasis: 1) microbial epidemiology & pathogenesis, 2) host susceptibility & response to infection, 3) medical management & treatment outcomes or 4) laboratory medicine. Strong mentoring relationships are key to our trainees’ success; careful selection of mentors and research advisory committee members are the cornerstone for fostering productive mentor/mentee partnerships in our program.
26 faculty with primary appointments in six departments participate in the Transplant ID Training Program.