Fellowship Program Director: Adrian M. Zelazny, PhD, D(ABMM)
Overview
The NIH Department of Laboratory Medicine offers a Microbiology Fellowship, a two-year postdoctoral training program accredited by the Committee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP) of the American Society for Microbiology.
The fellowship aims to enhance expertise in diagnostic microbiology, clinical consultations concerning microbiology and infectious diseases, and clinical laboratory management. It also strongly emphasizes laboratory research, particularly in developing new diagnostic tests and participating in collaborative projects aligned with ongoing clinical protocols at the NIH. Upon completing the program, fellows are eligible to take the American Board of Medical Microbiology certification exam.
The program has two fellowship slots in total, with one slot becoming available each year. Fellowships usually start in July. An additional slot may be available for candidates who can secure their own funding.
Program Structure
In the first year, fellows rotate through various sections of the Microbiology Department, including specimen processing, bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and special microbiology. After an initial month-long orientation in the laboratory, fellows begin on-call duties to address urgent issues or special requests. The fellow on call is also responsible for organizing and presenting daily laboratory rounds to infectious disease consultants.
During the latter part of the first year and into the second, fellows transition into roles as technical and clinical consultants for each section. Responsibilities in these roles include method development, troubleshooting, and problem-solving, as well as managing personnel-related issues.
Fellows are required to engage in research projects after completing their initial rotations through the various sections. Suitable research activities include the development of new diagnostic tests, analysis and review of laboratory data to inform laboratory policies, and collaborating on clinical studies with a microbiological component.
Additional Information
View additional information on the Fellowship programs.
Application Information
Apply to this program through the CPEP online portal.
Additional application materials may be requested by the Fellowship Director through the NIH Graduate Medical Education Application System.