Fellowship in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

The Fellowship in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases under the specialty of Infectious Diseases is designed to provide advanced training for healthcare professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases. This fellowship typically lasts 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution offering the program, and is aimed at physicians who have completed their residency in internal medicine or a related field. The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive study of microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology, along with their clinical implications.

It is a postgraduate-level academic and clinical fellowship designed to train postgraduate medical doctors. It specializes in the art of diagnosis and management of infectious diseases by combining microbiological sciences and clinical expertise. 

Fellowship in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 

Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree like MD or DNB in Microbiology, Medicine, Pediatrics, or related specializations. Eligibility can also be based on work experience and clearing an entrance exam or interview, depending on the institution's norms. 

The duration of the course is usually 1 to 2 years, depending on the curriculum and structure provided by the respective institution. 

The overall course costs usually range between ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, depending on college reputation, facilities, and quality of training. Stipends or financial assistance might be offered at a few institutes. 

This fellowship is ideally suited for physicians with a background in medicine or microbiology, professionals interested in specializing in infectious disease care and diagnostics, practitioners who have an interest in hospital infection control and laboratory practice, and clinicians who are interested in research and public health policy contribution. 

In order to advance expertise in diagnosis and treatment of infections, to acquire laboratory and diagnostic competence in clinical microbiology, to be part of national health efforts focusing on infection prevention and control, to be eligible for senior positions in healthcare, academia, and research, and to remain at the cutting-edge of infectious disease management in the face of ongoing global threats. 

Admissions in certain institutions might also require a written entrance test and/or interview. The candidates are judged on the basis of clinical knowledge, academic performance, and research and diagnostic aptitude. 

Apply online on the official website of the respective institution. Upload academic documents and supporting documents. Attend an interview or test if needed. Final selection is based on merit, experience, and seat availability. 

1. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore 
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 
3. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 
4. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal 
5. Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai 
6. Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram 
7. Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation 

The alumni of this fellowship are sought after by various fields such as hospital and diagnostic centers, departments of infection control, global and national health organizations such as WHO, ICMR, and CDC, academic institutions and research facilities, and public health policy and disease surveillance units. 

DM in Infectious Diseases (available from a few institutions in India), PhD in Medical Microbiology, Public Health, or Infectious Diseases, International tropical medicine, epidemiology, or infection prevention certifications 

• Consultant in Infectious Diseases 
• Clinical Microbiologist 
• Infection Control Officer 
• Public Health Epidemiologist 
• Research Associate or Scientist 
• Medical College Faculty 
• Medical Advisor in healthcare organizations 

Fresh professionals can get ₹8 to ₹15 lakhs per year, based on the institution and place. Experienced consultants and senior faculty can get ₹20 lakhs or more per year, especially in top hospitals and international health organizations.