meetID – mentored, engaging, educational and trainee-focused Pediatric ID Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) is proud to introduce meetID. This program intends to acquaint premedical/medical students and residents with pediatric ID through a program that is mentored, engaging, educational, and trainee focused.

The meetID program provides a broad overview of pediatric infectious diseases (PID), career exploration in PID, support and resources needed to excel in science and medicine, and an opportunity to network with other trainees, faculty, and PIDS leadership. Additionally, trainees will have an opportunity to re-engage virtually throughout the year with various PID leaders, who will serve as mentors that can provide career guidance and support.

Each cohort will draw from residents, medical students, and premedical students. Diversity is highly desired, with a particular focus on those who identify as underrepresented in medicine (UIM) and first-generation college students.

meetID participants will:

• Learn about pediatric infectious diseases as a specialty
• Discover the contributions pediatric infectious diseases bring to the healthcare system
• Explore the wide array of career paths and opportunities in the field
• Assess training paths available to successful completion of pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training
• Attend and participate in one of three scientific meetings that PIDS co-sponsors:
  • St. Jude/PIDS Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Conference
  • Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS)
  • IDWeek

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for each intended meeting. Deadlines and materials can be found below.

Application Material

Applications are to be submitted as a single PDF using the application portal.

• Cover letter describing interest in the program
  • Should include name, current stage of training, rationale for applying for the program, and current career aspirations
  • Information that illustrates how the candidate would contribute to the diversity and inclusive excellence of the program
    • Diversity is multi-pronged, intersectional and may include, but is not limited to:
      • Members of minoritized racial/ethnic groups that are underrepresented in health professions
      • Gender identity
      • Persons with disabilities
      • Former foster youth
      • Members of the LGBTQ+ community
      • Immigrants
      • Refugees
      • Adult/non-traditional learners (including veterans)
      • First-generation college students
      • Geography (urban, rural, remote, etc.)
      • International Medical Graduate (IMG)
    • Description of commitment to serving underrepresented communities and/or addressing health disparities, which may refer to:
      • Volunteer work
      • Leadership
      • Scholarly activities or research
      • Advocacy
• Curriculum vitae

Submission Deadlines

• St. Jude/PIDS – December 18, 2023
• PAS – December 18, 2023 (Please note: PAS 2024 will be in Toronto. It is our hope the early application date will permit awardees to make any necessary passport or visa accommodations.)
• IDWeek – July 15, 2024

Questions related to meetID or application inquiries should be directed to pids@idsociety.org.

TESTIMONIALS

“Meeting a variety of potential mentors and departments at the Boston ID Party in an informal setting, and hearing from key members of the field such as Dr. Chandy John who gave the Caroline B. Hall lectureship…allowed me to learn about an assortment of different programs and departments at a synergistic time point during the residency application cycle. It was clear that PIDS is committed to building a workforce and community. The program has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in infectious diseases, and I hope to give back to the community that has supported my career journey so far.” – Jose Rodrigues (IDWeek 2023)

“meetID was a platform for me to connect with the broader Pediatrics Infectious Diseases community beyond my usual institutional boundaries. The event helped me engage with representatives from Pediatrics Infectious Diseases fellowship programs, gaining valuable insights into their training philosophies and establishing connections that may shape my future career.” – Alaric D’Souza (IDWeek 2023)