Transplantation Infectious Diseases
Fellowship Program

The aim of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Fellowship is to expose and fully immerse the trainee into the wide range of transplant recipients and immunocompromised hosts who represent a large population within Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital (VUAH). Trainees become the point person for the consulting services, attending selection committee meetings, and educating other trainees and advanced practice providers through lectures. Through these interactions they will also develop the knowledge and tools necessary for them to develop and guide their own tailored clinical research projects.

This one-year fellowship consists of six months on the VUAH Transplant ID consult service, having one-on-one staffing with attending physicians. Fellows will spend one to two half-days per week in a dedicated transplant ID clinic. Six montths of the year are spent on a personalized research project.

Patients seen at VUAH by the Transplant ID consulting service include solid-organ transplant recipients (heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas), hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients (allogeneic, autologous, and CAR-T), as well as patients receiving therapy for hematologic malignancies. While these patients often require ID consultation for conditions also seen in the general population, a large portion of their care revolves around treatment of fungal infections, viral infections and the interaction between anti-infective drugs and chemotherapy or immunosuppressants.

Fellows will also attend solid-organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant selection committee meetings throughout the year.

Our transplant program is a nationally recognized leader in the field of transplant-related infection management, providing dedicated ID expertise that is integrated into the transplantation surgery team's routine procedures.

The Transplantation ID Fellowship works in conjunction with the General ID Fellowship to instill a commitment to research and scholarly activity in the one year of training. Early in the year, fellows will form a mentorship committee, select a primary research mentor, and will have regular meetings with these mentors to ensure that they are progressing toward completion of their project with the goal of presenting their work at a national conference.

Transplant ID Clinical Conference
The Transplant ID fellow will present active patients on their consult list and lead discussions with core transplant ID faculty regarding diagnostic and treatment plans. Weekly.

ID Fellows Core Curriculum
This lecture series is geared toward the first and second year general ID fellows, but includes many topics very pertinent to the care of immunocompromised hosts. The transplant ID fellow is encouraged to attend all lectures they would like. Weekly.

ID Clinical Case Conference
Interesting ID cases from the various inpatient/consult services are presented by the fellows, with case discussions by the ID faculty. A weekly meeting, with the Transplant ID fellow presenting six times throughout the year.

ID Journal Club
The fellow will discuss one paper under the guidance of a faculty advisor. With the objectives of identifying important transplant ID research; discussion regarding how to critically evaluate the medical literature as it pertains to the field of transplant ID; and discussion of how application of the research outcomes may be applied in practice. Every two months, with the Transplant ID fellow presenting one time throughout the year.

Selection Committee Meetings
Weekly meetings of the various solid organ and HCT selection committee. ID is often invited to weigh in on particular cases, though the transplant ID fellow is encouraged to attend a chosen committee meeting weekly while not on clinical service.

Transplant Infectious Diseases Section Research Meeting
A monthly meeting of the transplant ID division faculty and transplant ID fellow. Meetings consist of an “update” of the various research projects being pursued across the section, and conclude with a more in-depth presentation and discussion of one particular project. The aim of this conference is not only to provide feedback and guidance for the individuals with active projects, but to encourage collaboration and spawn new ideas for future study.

Research Happy Hour
Sponsored by the Division of Infectious Diseases, clinician educators and young physician scientists are encouraged to present their active projects to a diverse group of senior faculty with experience in clinical and translational research. Often will include a short, personal introduction. This is done in a very casual environment, with snacks and beverages provided.

National Conferences/Symposia Sponsored by the Division

Fellows Symposium on Transplantation (AST) | September - Dallas, TX
This symposium is designed for and limited to clinical fellows and residents, surgical fellows, research fellows, pharmacists and other trainees who are planning a career in transplantation medicine, surgery, or research. The symposium offers an in-depth and interactive study of clinical transplantation, basic transplant immunobiology, and translational science while offering important insights into career development and unparalleled access to expert faculty. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the field of solid organ transplantation from experts in both basic science and clinical care. Attendees will be exposed to the entire spectrum of clinical, research, and translational science and career opportunities in the exciting field of transplantation.

American Transplant Congress | June - Location varies
The American Transplant Congress is the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) and the American Society of Transplantation (AST). ATC provides a forum for exchange of new scientific and clinical information relevant to solid organ and tissue transplantation. The event brings together transplant physicians, scientists, nurses, organ procurement personnel, pharmacists, allied health professionals and other transplant professionals.

Please direct any questions to:

Kevin C. Dee, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases 
Transplantation Infectious Diseases, Program Director,
Transplantation Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
kevin.c.dee@vumc.org