(July 12, 2023) East Tennessee State University has introduced a revamped infectious disease fellowship that now incorporates critical care, which will enhance physicians’ capabilities during pandemics.
Through the newly launched Infectious Disease Critical Care Fellowship, a comprehensive three-year program, fellows will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating severe infections while also gaining increased exposure to critical care medicine. In collaboration with Ballad Health, this initiative aims to elevate the standard of subspecialty care, benefiting the local community and beyond.
“We are excited to bring joint training in infectious diseases and critical care medicine to East Tennessee,” said Dr. Jonathan Moorman, professor and division chief of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases at ETSU. “This program will provide state-of-the-art training in both subspecialties to future physicians, many of whom will serve the people of our region going forward.”
The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on the close relationships between infectious diseases and critical care medicine – as well as areas for improvement. This new and innovative program will prepare trainees to lead critical care teams and provide robust, cost-effective approaches to the care of critically ill patients.
Fellows will receive ample training in a diverse array of inpatient and outpatient infectious disease situations at Johnson City Medical Center and the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
“These enhancements to our Infectious Disease Fellowship represent another step in elevating the level of care for our region,” said Dr. William Block, ETSU vice president for clinical affairs and dean of Quillen College of Medicine. “The collaboration between ETSU and Ballad Health in this field will further improve the ability to care for critically ill patients within the Appalachian Highlands and train the next generation of providers.”
Fellows will devote 18 months of clinical training in infectious diseases; nine months of clinical training in different medical, surgical and specialized intensive care units; and an additional nine months of scholarly activity. They will be eligible for board certification after the first two years of infectious disease training. Upon the completion of their final year, trainees will be eligible for board certification in critical care medicine.
“Ballad Health is thrilled to once again expand our partnership with ETSU and work alongside their medical and academic professionals to provide our region with trained physicians who can serve our diverse population,” said Dr. Matthew Loos, Ballad Health’s chief academic officer. “Graduate medical education is constantly evolving, and this program shows our two institutions are well-positioned to innovate and grow in turn. This new fellowship has significant potential to improve care and outcomes in the Appalachian Highlands, and we look forward to seeing its benefit to our patients.”
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