Department of Internal Medicine - Division of Immunology - Allergy Training Program
General Duties of Fellows
The Division of Immunology at the University of Iowa represents a three-year commitment for physicians who have completed training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or combined Med-Peds, and who desire subspecialty training in allergy-immunology. The program combines the ABAI requirement of a 24-month curriculum for Board eligibility with additional time for training in research and academic career development. An intensive supervised research experience is included and is funded by an NIH Immunology Training Grant. Research training opportunities include basic bench research, translational research, clinical research or therapeutic studies. During the first year, the program emphasizes clinical training and educational conferences, with the second year providing additional time for research activities. One or more faculty members closely supervise the assigned research. During the second year a decision is made regarding the intensity of the research program during the third year.
An overview of the 3-year program can be seen in this block diagram. It should be noted that ACGME program requirements for Allergy/Immunology include 50% clinical activities, 25% research/scholarly activities and 25% educational activities.
Year One | Year Two | Year Three
Fellows ordinarily begin their three-year training program in July. Year One emphasizes clinical training and involves 3.5 - 4 days/wk in the outpatient clinics (adult and pediatric) and rotations on the adult inpatient consultation team. First year fellows begin their year with strict and total supervision for the first three months. For example, a faculty member and the fellow respond to consults together in order to train the fellow in identifying the important points in history, physical exam, evaluation/diagnostic testing and therapeutic planning. The fellow assumes increasing responsibilities throughout the three year period but will always be supervised by a faculty member before signing off on any patient. During this year it is anticipated that the fellow will also complete the required clinical and educational rotations in Pulmonary Function Lab, Immunopathology, Rheumatology, Virology, Dermatology and Otolaryngology.
Throughout Year One, the fellow is expected to attend and participate in Allergy/Immunology Grand Rounds, journal clubs and teaching conferences, as well as attend other selected research seminars and divisional meetings. Training and certification in Human Subjects Research and Bioethics, as well as Animal Care and Use (if appropriate) is also completed at the beginning of year one.
During the first three months of training the fellow is expected to meet with each faculty member to discuss research interests and scholarly activities. By the end of October, the fellow will meet with the Training Program Director to discuss the projects he/she is interested in pursuing and a research project and mentor will be selected. The fellow and identified mentor are expected to apply for a training grant related to the selected research project by January of the first year. Research is defined as any investigative effort and can include bench research, clinical research, translational research, clinical trials or chart review. Selecting a specific research project does not preclude the fellow from collaborating with other faculty members on individual case reports, phase III drug trials, etc. The fellows are urged to develop their own protocols with the supervision of the faculty.
The second year of fellowship focuses heavily on mentored research and scholarly activities. The second year fellow is expected to submit at least one abstract to either the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology or the American Association of Immunologists annual meetings. He/She is also required to present their research findings at the Divisional Research Conference.
Throughout year two, the fellow is expected to attend and participate in Allergy/Immunology Grand Rounds, journal clubs and teaching conferences, as well as attend and present at other selected research seminars, conferences and divisional meetings.
The second year fellow is expected to spend a minimum of one half-day/wk in the Allergy/Immunology Continuity clinic at the VA Health Care System and share rotating call/consult responsibilities with the other fellows on the Adult Inpatient Consultation Team. Additional clinical activities to be completed during either year two or three include one month on the Inpatient Pediatric Allerlgy/Pulmonary Service, one half day every other week in the Pediatric Immune Disorders Clinic and an opportunity to spend time in a private allergy office in the community with a focus on practice management issues. During year two the fellow assumes increasing responsibilities for patient care and for teaching the first year fellow(s), medical students and residents rotating on the Allergy/Immunology service.
The third year of training is flexible and is structured individually depending on the research activities and future career goals of the fellow. The mentored research project is of high priority for trainees pursuing careers in academic medicine, and protected time is provided to devote to completion and extension of these research endeavors. The fellow must submit at least one abstract to the AAAAI, ACAAI or AAI during this year and present their work at the Divisional Research Conference.
Throughout year three, the fellow is expected to attend and participate in Allergy/Immunology Grand Rounds, journal clubs and teaching conferences, as well as attend and present at other selected research seminars, conferences and divisional meetings.
Clinical activities are structured to assure a minimum of one-half day/wk in a Continuity Clinic setting and completion of all required rotations. Call/Consult activities are rotated among the fellows. During year three the fellow assumes increasing responsibilities for patient care and for teaching the first year fellow(s), medical students and residents rotating on the Allergy/Immunology service.