About the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Graduates of the infectious diseases fellowship program are well qualified to pursue careers in clinical practice, academic medicine, public health or industry. The fellowship in infectious diseases at VCU Medical Center is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for a five-year period, the maximum approval possible.
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Infectious diseases fellows spend six to eight months of each year at VCU Medical Center and Central Virginia VA Healthcare System rotating on infectious diseases consult services including general infectious diseases, orthopedic infectious diseases, and transplant infectious diseases. One additional month is spent in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. The remaining months may be used for dedicated research time or for inpatient or outpatient clinical electives, depending on the individual fellow’s interests.
Available electives include rotations in hospital epidemiology and infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, medical education, medical ethics, travel medicine and global health, hepatology (viral hepatitis), specialized ICU rotations, allergy and immunology, and cystic fibrosis clinics, among others. Fellows also see outpatients one half day per week in the HIV clinic at the VCU Medical Center or at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System as part of their continuity clinic. During elective months, fellows also have an opportunity to see outpatients in the general infectious diseases clinics.
Welcome
Program Director: Jillian Raybould, MD
Welcome from the Program Director
Learn
Program Curriculum & Conferences
Curriculum
Program Overview
Fellows' Perspectives on the Program
“It's not just the busy general ID inpatient service and vibrant HIV clinic, but a great all around infectious diseases experience--transplant ID, orthopedic infections, travel medicine, antimicrobial stewardship, hospital epidemiology, global health and outpatient parental antibiotics. I will leave fellowship fully equipped to handle anything in infectious diseases as my training gave me all the resources I need to succeed.”
Pam Bailey, DO
The Infectious Diseases fellowship is a 2-year training program designed to satisfy the ABIM requirements for the Infectious Diseases subspecialty board examination. The first year of fellowship is aimed at teaching fellows the basic aspects of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. The second year of fellowship is aimed at refining and expanding the knowledge gained during the first year. There is also funding for a third research year in Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control for one qualified fellow. Fellows accepted for the 3rd year also obtain an MPH at VCU during their fellowship.
Our new first year fellows do not start on service right away. Fellowship begins with a 2 week period of orientation, including an introduction to the clinical microbiology laboratory and attendance at the SHEA Fellows’ Course in Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control. Core clinical inpatient rotations include the inpatient general Infectious Diseases consultation services at both the VCU main campus and the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System, and the Orthopedic Infectious Diseases service and the Transplant Infectious Diseases service at the VCU main campus. In addition, fellows spend one month during their fellowship in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory and an additional month working with the Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control service and Anitmicrobial Stewardship Team. There are an additional 3-6 months of elective or research time in each year of fellowship which are structured to support the development of each fellow’s career interests. Elective/research time is used to gain more clinical experience outside the typical infectious diseases consult setting, to gain research experience, and to pursue other scholarly projects. Fellows also participate in one half-day per week continuity HIV clinic throughout fellowship, as well as one half-day general infectious diseases outpatient clinic when on elective or research. Examples of clinical electives include Global Health, Travel Medicine, HIV ambulatory experience, Allergy and Immunology, Critical Care ID, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, HCV Intensive, Wound Care and a rotation at Richmond City Health Department, among others.
Program Goals & Objectives
This is a two-year infectious diseases fellowship designed to prepare the fellow for a career in Infectious Diseases by providing extensive clinical training, basic or clinical research experience, and teaching responsibilities. These skills will be developed in an environment that fosters scholarship and inquiry. This advanced education will ensure that the graduating fellow will possess the knowledge and skills necessary for independent practice in the field of Infectious Diseases. This will be accomplished with an emphasis on the following objectives:
- The fellow will develop an understanding of the scientific and clinical principles of infectious diseases.
- The fellow will develop the clinical skills required for the practice of infectious diseases through direct observation and management of both inpatients and outpatients with a variety of infectious diseases and related complications.
- The fellow will be supervised and evaluated by qualified faculty in these encounters.
- The fellow will be given graded authority and responsibility based on their performance.
- The fellow will be provided opportunities in basic science and/or clinical research to foster better understanding of these fields and their integration in clinical practice and/or to develop a career in academic medicine.
- The fellow will be provided with an environment that fosters practice-based learning and the development of teaching skills.
- The fellow will be instructed in and follow the principles of medical ethics and professionalism.
- The fellow will develop an understanding, awareness and responsiveness to the principles of systems-based practice.
Typical Rotation Schedules
| Typical 1st Year Rotation Schedule | Location | Length |
| General Infectious Diseases Consults | VCUHS/VA | 6 Months |
| Transplant Infectious Diseases | VCUHS | 1 Month |
| Orthopedic Infectious Diseases | VCUHS | 2-4 Weeks |
| Elective/Research | VCUHS/VA | 3-4 Months |
| HEIC (1st or 2nd year) | VCUHS | 1 Month |
| Clinical Microbiology | VCUHS | 2 Weeks |
| Typical 2nd Year Rotation Schedule | Location | Length |
| General Infectious Diseases Consults | VCUHS/VA | 6 Months |
| Transplant Infectious Diseases | VCUHS | 1 Month |
| Orthopedic Infectious Diseases | VCUHS | 2-4 Weeks |
| Elective/Research | VCUHS/VA | 4-5 Months |
| HEIC (1st or 2nd year) | VCUHS | 1 Month |
| Clinical Microbiology | VCUHS | 2 Weeks |
| Antimicrobial Stewardship | VCUHS/VA | 2 Weeks |
*Annual vacation time is allocated during electives/research rotations.
Rotation Descriptions
General Infectious Diseases Consults (VCUHS and McGuire VAMC)
The consult service consists of an ID faculty member and fellows as well as IM interns, residents, M4 students and ID pharmacist. They are responsible for all inpatient consults outside of Transplant and Orthopedic ID. The patients present with a broad range of acute and chronic infections, ranging from bread-and-butter infectious diseases to the more complex, unusual cases typical of a major academic center.
Transplant Infectious Diseases (VCUHS)
The ID fellows rotate on the Transplant ID consult service with Dr. Megan Morales, Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases, and Drs. Nicole Vissichelli and Lora Thomas. The Transplant ID team sees a wide spectrum of patients including solid organ transplant recipients (heart, kidney, liver) as well as patients on the Heme/Onc and Bone Marrow Transplant units. Fellows become experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of infectious complications associated with these uniquely immunocompromised patient populations.
Orthopedic Infectious Diseases (VCUHS)
ID fellows rotate on the Orthopedic ID consult service with Dr. Julie Reznicek, an expert in the management of orthopedic infections. The Orthopedic ID team works closely with the Orthopedic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgical services in diagnosing and managing a wide variety of both common and complex musculoskeletal infections.
Ambulatory Experience (VCUHS and Central Virginia VA Healthcare System)
ID fellows spend ½ day per week throughout their fellowship in HIV continuity clinic. Fellows spend 12 months at VCUHS and 12 months at Central Virginia VA Health Care System. Med Peds fellows rotate in the HIV Family Clinic during their fellowship. Referrals come throughout the region; each clinic is fully supervised by ID Faculty. Clinics are also staffed by a true multidisciplinary team, including physicians (ID, Psychiatry, Nutrition), ID pharmacist, nurses, adherence specialist, case managers and support staff.
General ID clinic, ½ day per month (only when on elective/research rotations) at VCUHS, ½ day per week when rotating at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System (3 months per year). Referrals come from throughout the region. Each clinic is fully supervised by ID faculty.
Clinical Microbiology (VCUHS)
ID fellows rotate for one month in the VCU Microbiology lab during their fellowship. In addition, fellows attend weekly Microbiology didactic sessions held by Drs. Bryson and Doern as well as twice weekly plate rounds ath both VCUHS and the VA.
Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control (VCUHS)
Each of our fellows spend one month during fellowship (additional time is available on elective/research) working in HEIC with Dr. Michelle Doll and the infection control team. During this rotation, fellows attend HEIC meetings and gain practical first-hand experience in HEIC and Antimicrobial Stewardship. Fellows not only gain knowledge of healthcare epidemiology and the functions of an infection control program, including surveillance for and prevention of healthcare-acquired infections. This rotation also provides fellows with marketable expertise before entering the workforce following graduation.
Electives
- Allergy and Immunology
- Antimicrobial Stewardship (VCUHS and Central Virginia VA Health Care System) - Each of our fellows spend at least two weeks rotating with Dr. Sangeeta Sastry, Dr. Matt Hitchcock, and Dr. Dan Markley as well with the ASP team learning judicious use of antibiotics and how to lead the ASP program. Fellows also complete the IDSA Antimicrobial Stewardship curriculum.
- Critical Care ID
- Cystic Fibrosis (adult & pediatrics)
- Global Health
- HCV Management Intensive
- HIV Ambulatory experience
- Medical Education
- Medical Ethics
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Research - The are a variety of basic and clinical research opportunities available to our fellows. For more information, please refer to "Research and Scholarship Expectations."
- Richmond City Health Department - Fellows have the opportunity to rotate at the RCHD, where they can see patients in the city’s busiest STD, TB, and refugee clinics, as well as learn about public health in a real world setting with access to DIS officers and other public health officials and related public health programs servicing a large urban community.
- Travel Medicine - Fellows work with Dr. Dan Markley
- Wound Care
Tracks
Individualization
Aside from the core requirements, the elective/research time allotted during fellowship training allows for educational individualization based on the interests and needs of the fellow. In consultation with the program director, interested fellows have an opportunity to develop additional expertise in Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, Transplant ID, or Orthopedic ID, through focused study and expanded clinical experiences in these areas under the mentorship of dedicated faculty.
- Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control - Faculty mentors Gonzalo Bearman MD, MPH, Richard P. Wenzel, MD, MPH, and Michelle Doll MD, MPH. Funding exists for a 3rd research year of fellowship training for one fellow per year. Fellows accepted into this track also obtain an MPH at VCU during the 3rd year.
- Med/Ped Infectious Disease- We offer a combined four-year fellowship in Med/Peds ID. Please contact Dr. Jillian Raybould and Pediatric ID Fellowship Program Director, Dr. Suzanne Lavoie if interested in applying.
- Orthopedic Infectious Diseases
- Transplant Infectious Diseases
Conferences
| Conference | Day/Time | Frequency |
| CORE FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCES (click for description below) | ||
| Infectious Diseases Grand Rounds | Mondays, 12:00-1:00 pm | Weekly |
| Core Curriculum | Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 am | Weekly |
| HIV Management Conference | Alternate Fridays, 12:00-1:00 pm | Bi-Monthly |
| Journal Club |
First Wednesday of month, |
Monthly |
| Clinical Microbiology Didactics | Wednesdays, 1:15-2:00 pm | Weekly |
| Clinical Microbiology Plate Rounds | Tuesday and Friday, 1:15 – 2:00 pm | Weekly |
| INSTITUTION-SPONSORED CONFERENCES (click for description below) | ||
| Internal Medicine Grand Rounds | Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 pm | Weekly |
| CORE LECTURE SERIES (click for description below) | ||
| Graduate Medical Education (GME) Research Series (optional) |
10-Week Series from July to September | Annually |
| Internal Medicine Fellowship Lecture Series | Quarterly | |
Core Conferences
Infectious Diseases Grand Rounds
All ID faculty and fellows attend this weekly conference. The format for this conference varies from week to week. The majority of IDGR include interesting case-based presentations by faculty and fellows, alternating with research presentations and occasional updates from national and international conferences. The program director typically coordinates the topics and speakers.
Core Curriculum
A weekly, one-hour didactic format covering clinical topics in Infectious Diseases. Topics are covered on a rotating basis over the two-year fellowship. Lecturers include ID faculty as well as faculty from outside the division where beneficial by topic (i.e. Allergy/Immunology, GI, Pharmacy, Pediatric ID, OB/Gyn, etc.) The program director typically coordinates the topics and speakers.
HIV Management Conference
This is a twice monthly interactive conference. Participants include fellows, faculty, other clinical providers, and ID pharmacist. Participants present challenging cases from the clinic for discussion and assistance with management decisions. This conference is led by an ID faculty member.
Journal Club
This conference is held on a monthly basis and is run by a fellow and one of the ID faculty. Fellows rotate in leading this conference, selecting a journal of interest then presenting the article in a “traditional” journal club style presentation in which the fellow critically reviews the article(s) and leads a discussion with the faculty and other fellows. During these discussions, attention is paid not only to the outcome, but also the process and potential bias and errors.
Clinical Microbiology Didactics
This conference is held weekly by Drs. Doern and Bryson from Clinical Microbiology and consists of a series of lectures covering basic clinical microbiology. Topics are covered on a rotating basis over the two-year fellowship.
Clinical Microbiology Plate Rounds
These are highly educational, hands-on rounds held 2 days per week in the clinical microbiology laboratory at both the VCU Medical Center and at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. Current interesting cases are selected by the ID consult team, or by laboratory staff, for discussion and review of the microbiologic workup. Rounds are led by Dr. Bryson, Dr. Doern, or Dr. Hill.
Institution-Sponsored Conferences
Institution Sponsored Conferences include:
- Internal Medicine Grand Rounds and CPC (both MCVH/VCUHS and McGuire VAMC)
- Departmental Morbidity and Mortality
- Department of Internal Medicine - Emergency Medicine Conference
- Internal Medicine Fellowship Lecture Series
Core Lecture Series
- GME Research Series
- GME Lecture Series: This conference is held throughout the year at VCUHS. Topics include quality improvement, professionalism, risk management, health care organization, world health issues, medical delivery systems, health care disparities, and cultural awareness, etc. In addition, the GME office sponsors the institutional orientation that all incoming interns, residents and fellows must attend (topics include teamwork, patient safety, effective communication, handoffs, consultation, supervision, etc.)
Scholarship
Our recent publications, presentations and abstracts
All fellows are expected to actively engage in scholarly activities. These activities can be in basic research, translational research, clinical research, health outcomes research, and/or educational research. Essential to success is providing the tools necessary to foster the fellows’ intellectual development as investigators. These tools are provided through participation in VCUHS Graduate Medical Education Research for Residents and Fellows. In addition, the third year research fellowship affords one fellow the opportunity to hone their skills as a hospital epidemiologist while obtaining an Masters of Public Health or a Master of Science in Clinical Research and Biostatistics.
As a sign of our commitment to the scholarly efforts of the fellows, both GME and the Department of Internal Medicine has designated funding which is set aside specifically to offset the travel cost for fellows who are presenting their work at regional, national, and international scientific and academic meetings. The division is similarly committed to assisting with costs associated with presenting and publishing scholarly efforts. At VCU, we honor your education and professional growth as our greatest achievement and are proud to send our residents and fellows as our ambassadors.
Julie Boatman, DO
- Boatman JD, Stevens MP, Markley JD. Infection Control in Outpatient Setting, Infection Prevention: New Perspectives and Controversies, Edition 2, Springers International Publishing, New York City, NY, 2021.
Joseph Pechacek, MD
- Joseph Pechacek, MD., Raybould J., Morales M. A Case of Bordatella Hinzii Meningitis in a Transplant Patient, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2021.
- Bryson A, Pechacek J, Taylor N, Rauschenbach A., Doern, C. Prospective Comparison of Three H. pylori Stool Antigen Diagnostic Assays, World Microbe Forum, Poster Presentation, 2021.
- Ehrenberger K., Pechacek, J. Giving Voice to Cardiovocal Syndrome: a 26-year-old woman with hypophonia and dysphagia, Mid Atlantic SGIM regional meeting, Poster presentation, November 2020.
Laura Pedersen, MD
- Pedersen L, Elgin K, Peace B, Masroor N, Doll M, Sanogo K, Zuelzer W, Peterson G, Stevens MP, Bearman G. Barriers, perceptions, and adherence: Hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy suite. American journal of infection control. 2017 Jun 1;45(6):695-7.
- Pedersen L, Masroor N, Cooper K, Patrick A, Razjouyan F, Doll M, Stevens MP, Bearman G. Barriers and perceptions of environmental cleaning: An environmental services perspective. American Journal of Infection Control. 2018 Dec 1;46(12):1406-7.
- Pedersen L, Hess K, Sastry S, Bearman G. Bacterial Pyomyositis Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Diagnosis, Management, and Review of the Recent Literature. Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases. 2019 Sep;11(3):243-51.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
- Pedersen L, Elgin K, Peace B, Masroor N, Doll M, Sanogo K, Zuelzer W, Peterson G, Stevens MP, Bearman G. (2016). Barriers, perceptions, and adherence: Hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy suite. Poster presented at: The Annual Society for Healthcare and Epidemiology of America Spring Conference: Atlanta, GA.
- Pedersen L, Masroor N, Cooper K, Patrick A, Razjouyan F, Doll M, Stevens MP, Bearman G. (2018). Barriers and perceptions of environmental cleaning: An environmental services perspective. Poster presented at: The Annual Society for Healthcare and Epidemiology of America Spring Conference: Portland, OR.
Jacob Pierce, MD
PUBLICATIONS
- Joly-Amado A, Brownlow M, Pierce J, Ravipati A, Showalter E, Li Q, Gordon MN, Morgan. Intraventricular human immunoglobulin distributes extensively but fails to modify amyloid in a mouse model of amyloid deposition. Current Alzheimer Research. 2014;11(7):664-71. Cited in Pubmed; PMID: 25115543
- Pierce JW, Rittman B, Raybould JE. Case Report: Paederus Dermatitis in the Returning Traveler. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018;98(5):1523-1525. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.17-0976
- Kirk A, Pierce J, Doll M, et al. The effectiveness of formulary restriction and preauthorization at an academic medical center. Am J Infect Control. 2019;000:2018-2020. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2018.12.026.
- Pierce, J., Lee, K., Markley, J., Pakyz, A., Doll, M., Kirk, A., Bearman, G., De la Cruz, O., Stevens, M. Relative use of carbapenems in immunocompromised patients. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018;5(suppl1): https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofy210.263
- Kirk A, Pierce J, Doll M, et al. Effect of carbapenem restriction on prescribing trends for immunocompromised wards at an academic medical center. Am J Infect Control. 2019;47(8):1035-1037. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2018.12.027
- Pierce, J, MD; Kirk, A, BS; Lee, K, PharmD; Markley, J, DO, MPH; Pakyz, A PharmD, PhD; Bearman, G, MD, MPH; Doll, M, MD, MPH; and Stevens, M, MD, MPH The Impact of Formulary Restriction on the Relative Consumption of Carbapenems in ICUs at an Academic Medical Center. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 2019 Sep;40(9):1056-1058. doi: 10.1017/ice.2019.170
- Pierce J, Apisarnthanarak A, Schellack N, et al. Global Antimicrobial Stewardship with a Focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Int J Infect Dis. 2020;96:621-629. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.126
- Pierce J, Dalton, J. MD, Stevens, M, MD, MPH, Godwin, M., Hill, A., Doern, C., PhD, Alexandra L. Bryson, 28-year-old man with an organism extracted from the eye. Clinical Infectious Diseases doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1841. 2021;72(11):2049-2051.
- Pierce J, Stevens, M. COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Stewardship: Lessons Learned, Best Practices and Future Implications. Int J Infect Dis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2021.10.001
- Pierce J, Kimberly J, Deja EN, et al. Electronic distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) guidelines: A potential tool for antimicrobial stewardship programs. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 2021:1-2. doi:10.1017/ice.2021.419
- Stevens, M. P., Pierce, J., Pryor, R., Doll, M. E., & Bearman, G. M. (2021). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) delta wave: Refocusing effort and remaining resilient in the face of evolving infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship challenges. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, 1(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1017/ash.2021.211
- Pierce, J., & Stevens, M. P. (2021). The Emerging Role of Telehealth in Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Systematic Review and Perspective. Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases, 13(4), 175–191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40506-021-00256-7
BOOK CHAPTERS
- Pierce J, Edmond MB, Stevens MP, Enterococcal species. In: Bearman G, Stevens M, Doll M & Mehtar S, eds. A guide to Infection Control in the Hospital. 6th edition. USA: International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2018.
- Pierce J, Edmond, MB, Stevens MP, Staphylococcus aureus. In: Bearman G, Stevens M, Doll M & Mehtar S, eds. A guide to Infection Control in the Hospital. 6th edition. USA: International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2018.
- Pierce, J, Markley, D, Schellack, N, Stevens MP, Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Hospital Setting. In: A guide to Infection Control in the Hospital. 6th edition. USA: International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2020.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
- Jacob Pierce, MD, Kimberly Lee, PharmD, Erin Deja PharmD, Jihye Kim PharmD, Michelle Doll, MD Michael Stevens, MPH, MD, “Antimicrobial Use Patterns During the COVID-19 pandemic at an Academic Medical Center”. Accepted to SHEA Spring Conference 2022, Colorado Springs, CO.
- Jacob Pierce, MD; Andrew Kirk; Emily Godbout, DO, MPH; John D. Markley, DO, MPH; Amy Pakyz PharmD, PhD; Kimberly Lee, PharmD; Andrew Noda PharmD; Michelle Doll, MD, MPH; Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH; and Michael P. Stevens, MD, MPH “Relative Carbapenem Use for a Burn ICU at an Academic Medical Center”. SHEA Spring Conference 2019 Boston, MA.
- Jacob Pierce, MD, Andrew Kirk, Kimberly Lee, PharmD, Daniel Markley, DO, MPH, Amy Pakyz, PharmD, Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, Michelle Doll, MD, MPH, Oveimar De la Cruz, MD, and Michael P. Stevens, MD, MPH “Proportion of Carbapenem Consumption for in Immunocompromised Patients at an Academic Medical Center”. ID Week 2018.
- Elizabeth Varnell, MD, Samuel Powell, MD, Jacob Pierce, MD, Irene Gaines, MD, Faten Ragaban, MD, Alexandra Lambert, MD, E. Taylor Kirton-Davis MD. “Don't Bleed VAMC: A Resident-Driven Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Phlebotomy on Inpatient Internal Medicine Wards”. VCU Health Resident/Fellow Research Day June 2018.
- Jacob Pierce, MD, Andrew Kirk, Kimberly Lee, PharmD, Daniel Markley, DO, MPH, Amy Pakyz, PharmD, Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, Michelle Doll, MD, MPH, and Michael P. Stevens, MD, MPH. “Relative Consumption of Carbapenems in ICUs at an Academic Medical Center”. SHEA Spring Conference April 2018.
- Kirk, A., Pierce, J., Lee, K., Markley, D., Pakyz, A., Bearman, G., Doll, M., Stevens, M. “Impact of Prospective Audit with Intervention and Feedback on Meropenem use in a Medical Intensive Care Unit”. Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Spring Meeting. Portland, OR; April 18-20, 2018
- Jacob Pierce, Carolyn Hanna, Neal Rajyaguru, Frazier Stevenson MD. “Examination of the factors influencing collaboration and efficiency of academic research”. USF Health Research Day Feb. 2014.
2020-2021
Pamela Bailey, DO
- Ruslan R, Bailey P, Sastry S. Nocardia beijingensis lung mass in an immunocompetentadult. BMJ Case Reports. 2021;14(1):e237454.
- Bailey P, Edmond MB, Stevens MP. Chapter 47. Public Reporting of Healthcare-Associated Infection Rates. Jarvis Bennet & Brachman’s Hospital Infections, 7th edition.
- Hess OCR, Armstrong-Novak JE, Doll M, Cooper K, Bailey P, Godbout E, Stevens MP, Bearman G. The Impact of COVID-19 on Provider Usage of Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring Technology. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 2020; 1-3.Available online: 20 November 2020.
- Sastry S, Pryor R, Raybould JE, Reznicek J, Cooper K, Patrick A, Knowlson S, Bailey P,Godbout E, Doll M, Stevens MP, Bearman G. Universal Screening for the SARS-CoV-2virus on hospital admission in an area with low COVID-19 prevalence. Infection Controland Hospital Epidemiology. 2020; 41(10): 1231-1233.
- Doll M, Pryor R, Mackey D, Doern C, Bryson A, Bailey P, Cooper K, Godbout E, Stevens MP, Bearman G. Utility of Re-testing for Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 inHospitalized Patients: Impact of the Interval between Tests. Infection Control andHospital Epidemiology. 2020; 41(7):859-861. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.224
- Bailey, P., Armstrong, J., Hess, O., Pryor, R., Auricchio, J., Cooper, K., Godbout, E.,Stevens, M.P., Bearman, G., Doll, M. Buyer Beware: Hidden Costs in Deployment ofAutomated Hand Hygiene Technology. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 101 Suppl 1:207-208(published abstract).
- Doll, M., Bailey, P., Lesane, L., Cooper, K., Godbout, E., Stevens, M.P., Bearman, G. TheNeglected Wrists Under White Coats: An Achilles Heel for Hand Hygiene? Int J Infect Dis2020; 101 Suppl 1:301 (published abstract).
- Carlene Muto MD, MS, Pamela Bailey DO, Barry Rittmann MD, MPH, Amie Patrick RN,MSN, Olivia Hess, Kaila Cooper MSN, Rachel Pryor RN, MPH, Michael P. Stevens MD,MPH, Michelle Doll MD, MPH, Gonzalo Bearman MD, MPH. Accuracy of the NHSNCentral Line Associated Bloodstream Infection Defi nition: The Experience of TwoGeographically Proximal Academic Medical Centers. Infection Control & HospitalEpidemiology , Volume 41 , Issue S1: The Sixth Decennial International Conference onHealthcare-Associated Infections Abstracts, March 2020: Global Solutions to AntibioticResistance in Healthcare , October 2020 , pp. s457 - s458.
- Pamela Bailey DO, MPH, Jo Dee Armstrong-Novak, Kaila Cooper RN, MSN, Michael P.Stevens MD, MPH, Gonzalo Bearman MD, MPH, Michelle Doll, MD, MPH. ContactPrecautions as a Barrier to Hand Hygiene: PDSA to Improve Compliance with GlovedHand Hygiene. Open Forum Infectious Diseases. 2020; 7(1):s468.
- Pamela Bailey DO, MPH, Jo Dee Armstrong-Novak, Kaila Cooper RN, MSN, Michael P.Stevens MD, MPH, Gonzalo Bearman MD, MPH, Michelle Doll, MD, MPH. Inter-raterReliability of Hand Hygiene Observers with an Electronic Monitoring System. OpenForum Infectious Diseases. 2020; 7(1):s468-469.
Nicole Vissichelli, MD
- Vissichelli, NC, Orndahl CM, Cecil JA, Hill EM, Sabo RT, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley DJ. Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility onfl uoroquinolone and meropenem consumption at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center .Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
- Sann KZ, Vissichelli NC, Bryson A, Doern C, Mochel MC, Bearman G, & Sastry S. Diffuseskin nodules in an oyster farmer: Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum. AmericanJournal of Medicine. July 2020; 134(1): E57-E59. PMID 32710828.
- Vissichelli, NC, Orndahl CM, Cecil JA, Hill EM, Sabo RT, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley DJ. Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility on theantimicrobial consumption at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Poster presentation atInfectious Diseases Week, Philadelphia, PA, October 2020.
- Vissichelli NC, Anderson L, Eckert A, Markley DJ, Cecil J, Vaughan LB, Hill E, & HitchcockMM. A Cluster of Disseminated Gonococcal Infections in a Non-ImmunocompromisedVeteran Population. Poster presentation at Infectious Diseases Week, Philadelphia, PA,October 2020.
2019-2020
Pamela Bailey, DO
- Vissichelli, N., Bailey, P., Sabo, R., Tassone, D., Vaughan, L., Stevens, M., Markley, J.Variation In A Novel Antipseudomonal Antimicrobial Consumption Metric acrossHospital Inpatient Units At A Veterans Affairs Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.American Journal of Infection Control, 2019. Published.
- Bailey P and Wenzel RP. Nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19. Guidelines for the International Society of Infectious Diseases. June 2020.
- Rosenberg A, Bailey P, Rigamer M, Levy M. HIV associated aortitis causing rapiddevelopment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The Annals of Vascular Surgery. 2020;1:e1-5.
- Bailey, P.,Doern, C. Evaluating the Predictive Value of Blood Culture Bottle Reporting forCoagulase Negative Staphylococci Positive Cultures: Assessing Contamination versusTrue Bacteremia. ID Week. 2019.
- Bailey, P., Hess, O., Pryor, R., Armstrong, J., Cooper, K., Godbout, E., Stevens, M.P.,Bearman, G., Doll, M. Can You See Me Now? Medical Device Radiofrequency Interferencewith Hand Hygiene Technology. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 101 Suppl 1:207.
Jennifer Emberger, MD
- Emberger J, Hitchcock MM, Markley, JD. Diagnostic Stewardship Approaches toClostridioides diffi cile Infection in the Era of Two-Step Testing: A Shifting Landscape.Curr Treat Options Infect Dis. 2020. 12:258-274.
- Vissichelli NC, Roberts CH, Miller K, McCarty JM, Stevens MP, & De La Cruz O.Bronchoalveolar lavage to evaluate new pulmonary infi ltrates in allogeneichematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: impact on antimicrobial de-escalation.Infection Prevention In Practice. December 2019; 1: 3-4.
- Vissichelli NC and Stevens MP. Antibiotics in the pipeline for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases. June 2019; 11(2):115-144.
- Vissichelli NC, Cecil JC, Einspahr C, Forbes BA, Hill EM, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley JD: Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility on theconsumption of fl uoroquinolone antibiotics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Posterpresentation at Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America Conference, May 2019.SHEA Top Poster Award.
- Vissichelli NC, Cecil JC, Einspahr C, Forbes BA, Hill EM, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley JD: Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility on theconsumption of fl uoroquinolone antibiotics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. FirstAnnual Stewardship Interest Group of Virginia Antibiotic Stewardship Virtual ResearchSymposium, June 2019.
Nicole Vissichelli, MD
- Vissichelli NC, Roberts CH, Miller K, McCarty JM, Stevens MP, & De La Cruz O.Bronchoalveolar lavage to evaluate new pulmonary infi ltrates in allogeneichematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: impact on antimicrobial de-escalation.Infection Prevention In Practice. December 2019; 1: 3-4.
- Vissichelli NC and Stevens MP. Antibiotics in the pipeline for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases. June 2019; 11(2):115-144.
- Vissichelli NC, Cecil JC, Einspahr C, Forbes BA, Hill EM, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley JD: Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility on theconsumption of fl uoroquinolone antibiotics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Posterpresentation at Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America Conference, May 2019.SHEA Top Poster Award.
- Vissichelli NC, Cecil JC, Einspahr C, Forbes BA, Hill EM, Stevens MP, Tassone D, VaughanLB, & Markley JD: Impact of cascade reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility on theconsumption of fl uoroquinolone antibiotics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. FirstAnnual Stewardship Interest Group of Virginia Antibiotic Stewardship Virtual ResearchSymposium, June 2019.
2018-2019
Pamela Bailey, DO
- Bailey, P., Raybould, J., Sastry, S., Bearman, G. Cutaneous Botryomycosis andStaphylococcus Aureus: Diagnosis, Management, and a Systemic Literature Review.Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases, 2018 3(10): 347-361. Published.
- Bailey, P., Rittmann, B., Sabo, R., Vaughan, L., Tassone, D., Pakyz, A., Stevens, M.,Markley, D. Implementation and Impact of Real-Time Audit and Feedback on All PositiveBlood Cultures. SIGoVA Virtual Research Symposium. June 2019
- Bailey, P. Doern, C. Brucellosis in Narok County, Kenya: A Retrospective Review. IDWeek. 2019.
- Bailey, P., Rittmann, B., Sabo, R., Vaughan, L., Tassone, D., Pakyz, A., Stevens, M., Markley, D., Implementation and Impact of Real-time Audit and Feedback on All PositiveBlood Cultures at an Academic Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Poster Presentation.Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. April 2019.
Jennifer Emberger, MD
- Emberger J, Tassone D, Stevens MP, Markley JD. The Current State of AntimicrobialStewardship: Challenges, Successes, and Future Directions. Clinical Infectious DiseaseReports. 2018 Jun 29;20(9):31.
- Emberger J, Sann K, Sabo R, et al. Evaluation of the Management of Purulent and Non-purulent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting at the RichmondVeterans Affairs Medical Center. SIGoVA Antimicrobial Stewardship Research Symposium; June 14, 2019, Virtual Symposium.
- Emberger J, Sann K, Sabo R, et al. Evaluation of the Management of Purulent and Non-purulent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting at the RichmondVeterans Affairs Medical Center. Gordon Archer Research Day; May 22, 2019, Richmond,VA.
Nicole Vissichelli, MD
- Vissichelli NC, Bailey P, Sabo R, Tassone D, Vaughan L, Stevens MP, & Markley JD.Variation in a novel antipseudomonal antimicrobial consumption metric across hospitalinpatient units. American Journal of Infection Control. May 2019; 47(10):1263-1264.PMID 31153713.
Khine Sann, MD
- Emberger J, Sann K, Sabo R, et al. Evaluation of the Management of Purulent and Non-purulent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting at the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center. SIGoVA An.timicrobial Stewardship Research Symposium; June 14, 2019, Virtual Symposium
- Emberger J, Sann K, Sabo R, et al. Evaluation of the Management of Purulent and Non-purulent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting at the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Gordon Archer Research Day; May 22, 2019, Richmond,VA.
2017-2018
Salma Abbas, MD
- Abbas, S., Bernard, S., Lee, KL, Doern, C., Doll, M., Bearman, G., Stevens, MP. RapidRespiratory Panel Testing: Impact of Active Antimicrobial Stewardship. 2018 Society forHealthcare Epidemiology of America. Portland, Oregon.
- Abbas, S., Arberg, A., Bearman, G., Sanogo, K., Stevens, M. The Effectiveness of aStation-Based Program in Rural Honduras. 18th International Congress on InfectiousDiseases. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Bearman, G., Abbas, S., Masroor, N., Sanogo, K., Vanhoover, G., Cooper, K., Doll, MP,Edmond, MB. Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions for Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin–resistant Enterococcus: An Interrupted TimeSeries Analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018. 1-7.
- Abbas, S., Raybould, JE, Sastry, S, De La Cruz, O. Respiratory Viruses in TransplantRecipients: More Than Just a Cold. Clinical Syndromes and Infection PreventionPrinciples. Int J Infect Dis. 2017 Sept; 62: 86-93.
- Brown, SA, Abbas, S., Davies, MA., Bunupuradah, T., Sohn, A., Technau, KG., Renner, L.,Leroy, V. Edmonds, A., Yotebieng, M., McGowan, C., Duda, SN, Wools-Kaloustian, K.Brief Report: Pediatric Cancer Burden and Treatment Resources Within the PediatricIeDEA Consortium. J Acqui Immune Defi c Syndr. 2017 Sep 1; 76(1) 60-64.
- Abbas, S., Stevens, MP. The Role a Hospital Epidemiologist in AntimicrobialStewardship. Review Article. Medical Clinics of North America (AntimicrobialStewardship Issue).
- Abbas, S., Lee, K., Pakyz, A., Markley, D., Cooper, K., Vanhoozer, G., Doll, M., Bearman,G., Stevens, MP. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Bedside Nursing Staff RegardingAntimicrobial Stewardship: A cross-sectional study. American Journal of InfectionControl. Submitted.
- Abbas, S., Bernard, S., Lee, K., Doern, C., Doll, M., Bearman, G., Stevens, MP. RapidRespiratory Panel Testing: Impact of Active Antimicrobial Stewardship. Brief Report.
Book Chapters
- Abbas, S., Doll, M., Stevens, M. Vertical Versus Horizontal Infection ControlInterventions. Infection Prevention 2018. P 173-179. ISBN 978-3-319-60978-2 DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-60980.
- Abbas, S., Bearman, G. Healthcare Worker Apparel and Infection Prevention. InfectionPrevention 2018. P 113-116; ISBN: 978-3-319-60978-2 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60980-5_12.
- Abbas, S., McNair, T., Bearman, G. Waste Management. Guide to Infection Control in theHospital. In Press.
- Abbas, S., Stevens, MP. Horizontal vs Vertical Infection Control Strategies. Guide toInfection Control in the Hospital. In press.
Emberger, Jennifer, MD
- Emberger J, Tassone D, Stevens MP, Markley JD. Antimicrobial Stewardship: Challenges,Successes, and Future Directions. Clinical Infectious Disease Reports.
2016-2017
Salma Abbas, MD
- Abbas S. Klebsiella Liver Abscess: an increasingly recognized invasive syndrome. OralPresentation. November 2016. VCU-UVA Infectious Disease Retreat.
- Brown S, Abbas S, Wools-Kaloustian K. Pediatric Cancer Burden and TreatmentResources within the Pediatric IeDEA Consortium. 2017. JAIDS.
- Abbas S, Bearman G. New Perspectives and Controversies in Infection Prevention:Healthcare Worker Apparel and Infection Prevention. Book Chapter. May 2017. In Press.
Awards
- Outstanding Fellow in Teaching 2017. Department of Internal Medicine VCU Health.
Life During Fellowship
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Vacation Time
Each fellow is allowed three weeks of vacation per year. The time is generally taken as either one of the following:
- Three 7-day vacations
- One 7-day vacation and one 14-day vacation.
Additionally, each fellow is given five days off during the December holiday period.
Night Coverage
Infectious Diseases fellows do not take any in-house call. While other healthcare providers provide in-house coverage at night, the Infectious Diseases fellows take night call from home when rotating on the inpatient consultation services. At night, the fellows provide the at-home call for urgent clinical care questions. On very rare occasions, fellows come in for emergent ID consults, staffed with the on-call attending physician. Additionally, the attending physician provides back-up, supervision, and escalation for the fellow on-call.
Weekend Coverage
Fellows are given one day off in seven during the 2-week block while on the inpatient general ID consultation services (6 months per year). All other clinical rotations are weekdays only.
When on call over a weekend, the fellows see all new consults at VCU and the VA hospitals during the day, which are staffed with the attending physician on service. Additionally, the weekend on-call fellows round with the attending physician on existing consults followed at VCU as determined by the consult team at the time of weekend check-out or as warranted by changes in a patient’s condition.
GME Resident & Fellow Well-Being
Graduate Medical Education training is not easy. With the GME Physician Well-being program, we first and foremost assert our commitment to your well-being, resilience and all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. VCU and VCUHealth are dedicated to ensuring that you have the tools you need to be your best. (Learn more)
All About VCU, VCUHealth, and RVA
We fondly refer to Richmond as RVA. People love this city because it’s awesome. And Virginia Commonwealth University is in the middle of it all. Learn more about VCU, VCUHealth, and RVA! Learn more about VCU, VCUHealth, and RVA!
Program Leadership
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Jillian Raybould, MD
Program Director
Jillian Raybould, MD
Program Director
Internal Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Jane A. Cecil, MD
Associate Program Director
Jane A. Cecil, MD
Associate Program Director
Internal Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Email: jane.cecil@vcuhealth.org
Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, FACP
Division Chair
Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, FACP
Division Chair
Internal Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Faculty
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
- Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH - Division Chair
- Alexandra Bryson, PhD - Pathology
- Jane Cecil, MD - Fellowship Associate Program Director
- Michael Climo, MD
- Christopher Doern, PhD (ABMM) - Pathology
- Michelle Doll, MD
- Michael S. Donnenberg, MD
- Paul M. Fawcett, PhD
- David Friedel, MD - Medicine-Pediatrics
- Patricia Fulco, PharmD
- Emily Hill, PhD - Pathology
- Matthew Hitchcock, MD - VAMC
- Suzanne Lavoie, MD - Medicine-Pediatrics
- John D. Markley
- Megan Morales, MD
- Dan Nixon, DO, PhD
- Jillian Raybould, MD - Fellowship Program Director
- Julie Reznicek, DO
- Barry Rittman, MD, MPH
- Sangeeta Sastry, MD
- Akira Shishido, MD
- Dan Tassone, PharmD
- Lora Thomas, MD
- Nicole Vissichelli, MD
- Nathaniel Warner, MD
- Richard Wenzel, MD, MSc
- Jinlei Zhao, PhD
Fellows
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Class of 2025
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (Pediatrics)
Class of 2024
Aditee Dash, MBBS
Medical School: Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Ann Harbor
Dilip Mahale, MD (combined Adult/Peds ID)
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Residency: University of Illinois College of Medicine - Peoria
Jorge Aldo Barajas Ochoa, MD
Medical School: Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
Residency: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Chief Residency: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Class of 2023
Medical School: Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences for Women
Residency: Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital Pontiac, MI
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Laura Pedersen, MD - Chief Fellow
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Class of 2022
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Mount Carmel Health System Program
Alumni
Class of 2021
Jacob Pierce, MD - HEIC Research Fellow
Medical School: University of South Florida - Morsani College of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University
Class of 2020
Jennifer Emberger, MD, MPH
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics at Vidant Medical Center
Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Residency: Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University
Class of 2019
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Internal Medicine at Christiana Care Health System
Medical School: University of Medicine 1
Residency: Internal Medicine at Prince George's Hospital Center
Class of 2018
Salma Muhammad Abbas, MBBS - HEIC Research Fellow
Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College
Residency: Internal Medicine at Indiana University
Barry Rittman, MD
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Residency: Internal Medicine at West Virginia University
Apply
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Eligibilty Requirements
Regarding Visa Requirements, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems can only support J-1 visas.
How to Apply:
The Infectious Disesase fellowship training program at VCU is a participant in the NRMP match. All applications will be accepted through ERAS and follow ERAS deadlines.
Required Documentation
- Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- USMLE score reports
- Medical School Transcripts
- MSPE
- A personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation, including one from your program director
If applicable, please provide the following:
- ECFMG certificate
- Medical School Diploma (with translation if necessary)
Application Timeline:
We will review applications from July through October. Invitations to interview will likely be issued during this time frame.
Interviews:
Interviews are typically conducted on Mondays so that applicants can attend ID Grand Rounds. Applicants can expect to arrive shortly before 9 a.m. for a full day.
The interview day consists of the following:
- Introduction to the program and division by the Program Director
- Interviews with VCUHS and VA-based faculty
- Tour of the VCUHS facilities
- Lunch with current fellows
- Attendance at ID Grand Rounds
Interview days typically end between 3 and 4 pm. A sample itinerary is provided to give you a general sense of how we structure the day. See sample intinerary here.
Attention: In support of our applicants, we will be flexible in providing virtual and on-site fellowship interview opportunities. We understand that applicants may have restrictions on travel during this time. Our interview schedule may change as we approach the late summer and fall. We appreciate your patience and understanding; we will absolutely work to accommodate all applicants as best possible during the COVID pandemic.
Contacts
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Program Director
Jillian E. Raybould, MD
Box 980049
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0049
Phone: (804) 828-9711
Email: jillian.raybould@vcuhealth.org
Associate Program Director
Jane Cecil, MD
Box 980049
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0049
Email: jane.cecil@vcuhealth.org
Fellowship Coordinator
Cesley Watkins
VCU School of Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Box 980509
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0509
Phone: (804) 628-4497
Fax: (804) 828-4926
Email: imfellowships@vcuhealth.org