Specialty: Infectious Disease

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 165

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Where will this rotation take place: This outpatient and inpatient US clinical experience will take place in Atlanta, Georgia (approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown).

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Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 4 PM (mornings at the hospital; afternoons in the clinic)

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Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.

 

What you will do: You will be under the supervision of a board-certified internal medicine and infectious disease physician who is on staff at an Emory-affiliated hospital. She has had extensive experience educating learners from U.S. medical schools, including Emory, Mercer, and PCOM, as well as international medical students and graduates. 

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As an international medical graduate herself, this preceptor is very sensitive to the challenges that IMGs face in establishing their careers in the U.S. She aims to give each learner an immersive experience to help build important clinical skills under her supervision. 

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As an infectious disease specialist, she has expertise in the diagnosis and management of infections caused by various agents, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Students who rotate through this clinical experience will learn how to evaluate patients with acute and chronic infectious disease, analyze microbiologic data, and select appropriate antimicrobial therapy if needed. To maximize learning during this clinical experience, we encourage you to read the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guidelines. These are systematic reviews written by experts in the field that provide evidence-based recommendations that you can use to expand your knowledge and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Since infectious disease problems will be commonly encountered during your residency, familiarity with these documents now will help you to build a strong foundation for your work as a resident. You can access these guidelines at the following:

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IDSA Clinical Practice Guidelines

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Of particular importance during this clinical experience is learning about the evaluation and management of more commonly encountered and potentially life-threatening conditions. These include meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections, HIV, sexually transmitted illnesses, tuberculosis, and nosocomial infections.

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Another important objective of this clinical experience is to gain an understanding of the proper use of antimicrobial agents. The following article is an excellent resource in this regard:

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General Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy

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After one week of observation, you will take on an increasing role in patient encounters and learn the following under the preceptor’s supervision:​

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• Taking patient histories.

• Performing exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Writing or entering clinic notes (eClinicalWorks EMR)

• Researching the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.

• Educating patients.

• Teaching other team members. 

• Working with other healthcare professionals, including NPs and PAs

 

​The activities above will mostly take place in the outpatient setting. As a result of hospital policies, inpatient activities will be more observational. Rounds in the hospital will be with the nurse practitioner or attending physician. Since they round separately, please verify the schedule with each in order to maximize your participation.​

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As the preceptor sometimes encounters interesting cases, students may have the opportunity to participate in a case report. Please note that the availability of such opportunities is at the discretion of the preceptor. Interested students should ask the preceptor about these opportunities early in the rotation.

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Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in internal medicine or infectious disease.  

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How to obtain a letter of recommendation: The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft. 

 

​During the rotation: Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.

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See Where Our Students Applying to Internal Medicine Have Received Interviews or Matched

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Read Dr. Desai's Interview with Dr. Roy Ziegelstein (Vice Dean for Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Former Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center) about How to Match Successfully in Internal Medicine