Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Welcome to the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a fully accredited, ACGME-approved program designed to train future leaders in the field of pediatric infectious diseases. Our mission is to prepare fellows to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, excellent clinicians, and dedicated patient advocates.
Welcome to the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a fully accredited, ACGME-approved program designed to train future leaders in the field of pediatric infectious diseases. Our mission is to prepare fellows to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, excellent clinicians, and dedicated patient advocates.
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is to cultivate the next generation of academically focused infectious disease specialists. We aim to educate fellows to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, skilled clinicians, and strong patient advocates.
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is to cultivate the next generation of academically focused infectious disease specialists. We aim to educate fellows to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, skilled clinicians, and strong patient advocates.
Program Director’s Welcome
The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and adheres to current ACGME requirements and guidelines. Our overarching goal is to prepare highly motivated physicians for successful careers in pediatric infectious diseases, whether in academic medicine or private practice.
Jackson Memorial Hospital houses one of the largest neonatal services in the country, with more than 100 dedicated beds. Our pediatric transplantation service, in partnership with Holtz Children’s Hospital and the Miami Transplant Institute, ranks among the most active nationwide. Fellows play a central role in the inpatient consultation service, managing a wide spectrum of complex pediatric infectious disease cases. Our patient population spans local communities throughout Florida and includes referrals from international locations, particularly Central and South America. Fellows also continue patient care through follow-up visits in a dedicated, fellow-run outpatient clinic on the hospital campus.
Our training program offers a comprehensive blend of clinical and research experiences. Fellows are exposed to the full range of pediatric infectious diseases such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia, as well as advanced care for bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients and children living with HIV. Scholarly interests include antimicrobial stewardship, global health, transplantation, and public health.
We take pride in the academic and clinical achievements of our fellows. By the end of the second year, most have presented research at regional or national conferences and have authored at least one publication in a peer-reviewed pediatric journal. We welcome fellows who are eager to advance their clinical, research, and leadership skills while enjoying the vibrant environment of South Florida.
Program Director’s Welcome
The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and adheres to current ACGME requirements and guidelines. Our overarching goal is to prepare highly motivated physicians for successful careers in pediatric infectious diseases, whether in academic medicine or private practice.
Jackson Memorial Hospital houses one of the largest neonatal services in the country, with more than 100 dedicated beds. Our pediatric transplantation service, in partnership with Holtz Children’s Hospital and the Miami Transplant Institute, ranks among the most active nationwide. Fellows play a central role in the inpatient consultation service, managing a wide spectrum of complex pediatric infectious disease cases. Our patient population spans local communities throughout Florida and includes referrals from international locations, particularly Central and South America. Fellows also continue patient care through follow-up visits in a dedicated, fellow-run outpatient clinic on the hospital campus.
Our training program offers a comprehensive blend of clinical and research experiences. Fellows are exposed to the full range of pediatric infectious diseases such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia, as well as advanced care for bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients and children living with HIV. Scholarly interests include antimicrobial stewardship, global health, transplantation, and public health.
We take pride in the academic and clinical achievements of our fellows. By the end of the second year, most have presented research at regional or national conferences and have authored at least one publication in a peer-reviewed pediatric journal. We welcome fellows who are eager to advance their clinical, research, and leadership skills while enjoying the vibrant environment of South Florida.
Why Choose Us?
Our program offers a unique blend of comprehensive clinical training and exciting research opportunities. Fellows gain expertise in diagnosing and managing the entire spectrum of infectious diseases.
Unparalleled Clinical Experience at Holtz Children’s Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital:
- One of the largest neonatal intensive care units in the U.S. with over 100 dedicated beds.
- A nationally ranked pediatric transplant program in partnership with the Miami Transplant Institute
- Fellows are essential members of the inpatient consult team, managing complex cases from across Florida and Latin America. Outpatient continuity is maintained through a fellow-run clinic located on campus.
Training Highlights
- Hands-on experience with general and high-risk pediatric infections
- Exposure to solid organ and stem cell transplant populations
- Opportunities to work on antimicrobial stewardship and public health
- Dedicated time for research and scholastic development
Research and Scholarly Productivity
We emphasize academic growth and productivity. Most fellows present their work at local or national conferences by their second year and publish at least one manuscript before graduation from the program.
Our Commitment to Your Success
We are proud of our graduates, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academic medicine and private practice. We welcome applicants who are eager to expand their clinical knowledge, develop research skills, and grow as physician leaders while enjoying the vibrant culture and sunshine of South Florida.
Why Choose Us?
Our program offers a unique blend of comprehensive clinical training and exciting research opportunities. Fellows gain expertise in diagnosing and managing the entire spectrum of infectious diseases.
Unparalleled Clinical Experience at Holtz Children’s Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital:
- One of the largest neonatal intensive care units in the U.S. with over 100 dedicated beds.
- A nationally ranked pediatric transplant program in partnership with the Miami Transplant Institute
- Fellows are essential members of the inpatient consult team, managing complex cases from across Florida and Latin America. Outpatient continuity is maintained through a fellow-run clinic located on campus.
Training Highlights
- Hands-on experience with general and high-risk pediatric infections
- Exposure to solid organ and stem cell transplant populations
- Opportunities to work on antimicrobial stewardship and public health
- Dedicated time for research and scholastic development
Research and Scholarly Productivity
We emphasize academic growth and productivity. Most fellows present their work at local or national conferences by their second year and publish at least one manuscript before graduation from the program.
Our Commitment to Your Success
We are proud of our graduates, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academic medicine and private practice. We welcome applicants who are eager to expand their clinical knowledge, develop research skills, and grow as physician leaders while enjoying the vibrant culture and sunshine of South Florida.
Fast Facts
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Number of Fellows per Year?
1
Duration of Fellowship?
3 years
Clinical Experience
Accordion
Our fellowship program offers an exceptional clinical experience that spans the full spectrum of pediatric infectious diseases. Fellows care for a diverse patient population, including:
- Children with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies
- Bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients
- Oncology patients
- Children and adolescents with perinatally- or horizontally-acquired HIV
- Neonates, school-age children, and adolescents with both common and complex infectious diseases (e.g., bacteremia, meningitis, osteomyelitis)
The breadth and depth of our clinical service ensures that every fellow gains a well-rounded, high-volume, and high-complexity training experience.
In addition to clinical training, fellows complete key educational components, including:
- A rotation through the Clinical Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory
- Infection Control Rotation
- Antibiotic Stewardship Rotation
All fellows are expected to complete both a quality improvement (QI) project and an independent research project during their training, with mentorship and support from faculty across multiple disciplines.
The first year of fellowship is designed to provide a strong clinical foundation and introduce fellows to core research skills.
Fellows spend six months on the inpatient pediatric infectious diseases consultation service at Holtz Children’s Hospital. During this time, they evaluate and manage a broad range of infectious diseases, including:
- Community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections
- Infections in immunocompromised hosts (e.g., children with HIV, oncology patients, and recipients of bone marrow or solid organ transplants)
This immersive experience provides fellows with hands-on exposure to complex clinical scenarios and the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams.
Research and Mentorship
Early in the year, fellows are expected to identify a research mentor and select a project in clinical, translational, or basic science. Fellows also participate in the Resident Scholarly Activity Project (RSAP) Course, which introduces key concepts in biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design to support the development of their project.
Outpatient and Academic Activities
During the remaining six months, fellows rotate through:
- Ambulatory infectious disease clinics, including follow-up care for transplant and HIV patients
- A rotation in the Jackson Memorial Hospital Microbiology Laboratory
- An infection control rotation
- An Antimicrobial Stewardship rotation
Fellows actively participate in divisional academic seminars, including:
- Fellow-led case conferences
- Journal club presentations
- Twice-weekly teaching seminars
- Once weekly microbiology rounds
- Monthly basic research seminar/journal club
These activities foster academic discussion, enhance presentation skills, and reinforce clinical knowledge.
The second year of fellowship is structured to support deeper engagement in research while continuing to build clinical and teaching expertise.
Inpatient Training
Fellows spend approximately three months on the inpatient consultation service, continuing to manage complex infectious disease cases in a wide range of patients, including transplant recipients, oncology patients, and children with HIV.
Research and Scholarly Focus
The remainder of the year is dedicated to research, allowing fellows to make significant progress on their scholarly projects with close mentorship. Fellows are expected to:
- Analyze data, prepare abstracts, and begin manuscript development
- Submit their work to local and national meetings
- Explore potential funding opportunities or collaborative research initiatives
Teaching and Leadership
Fellows take on an increasingly active role in education and leadership within the division. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading multidisciplinary journal clubs
- Assisting in the development or revision of clinical care guidelines
- Teaching and mentoring pediatric residents, including:
- Presentations during “ID Week”
- Facilitating board review sessions
- Serving as a resource during inpatient consults and educational rounds
This year emphasizes the transition from learner to emerging educator, preparing fellows for independent practice or academic careers.
The third and final year of fellowship focuses on leadership, teaching, and the completion of scholarly work. Senior fellows are expected to take on expanded responsibilities that reflect their growth and readiness for independent practice.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Third-year fellows contribute to the administration of the fellowship program by:
- Assisting the Program Director with on-call scheduling
- Organizing and scheduling divisional conferences and meetings
- Supporting the coordination of fellowship-related activities and educational events
These responsibilities help prepare fellows for future roles as program leaders, educators, and mentors.
Teaching and Academic Contributions
In addition to continuing the teaching duties from Year 2, third-year fellows are expected to:
- Deliver a formal lecture at Pediatric Grand Rounds, serving as a capstone academic presentation
- Continue mentoring residents and junior fellows
- Lead and participate in case conferences, board reviews, and divisional seminars
Research Completion
Each fellow is required to complete their research project prior to graduation. By the end of Year 3, fellows typically have submitted their findings for publication and/or presentation at national meetings, showcasing their contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.
Your Faculty
Rana Chakraborty, MD, MSc, FAAP, FRCPCH, D.Phil. (Oxon), FPIDS, FIDSA
Division Chief Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Professor of Pediatrics
Adrienne Arsht Endowed Chair in Pediatric Clinical Research
Director, Center for AIDS Research
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Health System
Ivan A. Gonzalez, MD, MSc
Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Training Program
Received a CTropMed® certificate from ASTMH
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
Rm 286, Batchelor Children’s Research Institute
University of Miami Miller School of Med| Jackson Health Systems | Miami Transplant Institute
Charles D. Mitchell, MD
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
Rm 286, Batchelor Children’s Research Institute
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Health System
Aida I Chaparro, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
Rm 286, Batchelor Children’s Research Institute
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Cecilia Banda, MDAssistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
Rm 286, Batchelor Children’s Research Institute
University of Miami Miller School of Med| Jackson Health Systems | Miami Transplant Institute
Kailynn DeRonde PharmD, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacist – Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Stewardship
Voluntary Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Alumni Placements Include:
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Alumni Placements Include:
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine