Curriculum & Education

The year begins with a core HIV lecture series which includes topics of HIV diagnostics and initial intake; antiretoviral agents- mechanism of action, adverse effects, drug interactions; case based discussion of HIV resistance. The latter part of the year is dedicated to fellow led sessions which include journal club, M&M and fellows research updates. Faculty with expertise in different subject areas are in attendance to provide their valuable insight (background, methods, conclusions) into journal club articles. Faculty research mentors are also present at research conferences to provide context to the research topics and incorporate feedback from the division.

Plate rounds are conducted in the micro lab headed by the lab director and attended by ID fellows, IM residents, ID pharmacists and pathologists in training. The group ‘sees’ and discusses the weeks cultures, and fellows provide clinical correlations. This weekly meeting reinforces micro basics and provides updates on the latest development in the field of microbiology diagnostics. This also offers opportunities for real time antimicrobial stewardship with input from pharmacy and ID consult teams.

This is a weekly clinical case conference where fellows present clinical cases encountered in the inpatient or outpatient setting. This includes a case presentation followed by a discussion based on focused clinical questions and learning goals which are then addressed by review of the literature and guidelines.

This is the ID Division’s weekly grand rounds where faculty present ID didactic topics. The year begins with a core lecture series of topics including ID diagnostics (microbiology, serology), antimicrobial classes and resistance. This is followed by a 2 year rotating schedule of key ID topics that are delivered in an interactive case based manner. Topics include infectious agents/syndromes, travel medicine, stewardship and infection prevention topics, updates from major ID meetings (ID week, CROI).

UT Health San Antonio ECHO uses the ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model to partner with providers and healthcare workers in underserved, remote, and rural communities to increase their knowledge in a specific healthcare area so that they can provide necessary care to patients in their communities.

Bug club is a city wide meeting of ID practitioners occurring on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (Sept-May). The conference is organized by UT Health San Antonio and is held off site at local hotels/restaurants. Fellows and faculty present a variety of interesting cases/topics followed by robust discussions. Bug club allows networking of ID practitioners from various areas of expertise to collaborate and fellows to gain experience and confidence in presenting. CME credit is available for participating physicians.

In order to promote a healthy workplace the division has focused on numerous wellness initiatives and have a robust Wellness Curriculum. Our wellness curriculum includes online resources, specific lectures (fellow-faculty development series), wellness events, regular housestaff meetings and one on one check-ins. The highlights include:

• Lecture topics included integrative medicine and self-care, others provided by the GME wellness team were topics of resilience building and managing stress/burn out
• Mental health and counseling services offered through the GME office
• Annual spring retreat which spans half a day wherein fellows are off site for team building and bonding activities. Faculty coverage provided on clinical services.
• Designated ‘fellow hour’, which are dedicated times for fellows to complete essential items to include evaluations, other required trainings
• Quarterly house staff meetings of fellows with PD and core faculty members
• PD open door policy