Immunology education does not stop after trainees complete their MD or PhD programs. With the continuous advancements made in our understanding of the immune system’s critical role in health and disease, Immunologists must be lifetime learners. Research labs at UAB provide excellent opportunities for PhD and MD scientists interested in immunology and fellowship programs support ongoing education opportunities for scientists and clinical researchers.
Post-doctoral fellows in Immunology can apply for positions on NIH-supported T32 training grants. UAB currently holds 17 T32 training grants, including one large program that focuses specifically and comprehensively on the field of immunology. The UAB T32 Training Program in Immunologic Diseases and Basic Immunology has been in existence since 1976. For more than 45 years the preceptors and graduates of the program have made major contributions to the research and training programs of the participating departments and units at UAB. During this time, more than 150 postdoctoral and predoctoral trainees have been supported by the Immunology T32 with the majority going on to pursue academic careers in immunology. Trainees supported by the Immunology T32 are required to attend the Program in Immunology Seminar Series and a professional development course.
Postdoctoral fellows are hired by individual investigators. UAB has a very active Office of Postdoctoral Education that maintains a list of current openings and organizes many career development programs for postdoctoral fellows.
Clinical Fellowships in Immunology include the UAB Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Training Program and the Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Fellowship.
Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program
The Allergy program is an accredited joint adult and pediatric fellowship program that accepts one candidate each year with board eligibility or certification in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics or Med-Peds.
Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Fellowship Program
The Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Program is supported by the UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology. This accredited Rheumatology Fellowship Program accepts 3 fellows per year. As one of the largest academic rheumatology units in the nation, the division's clinical program registers over 10,000 patient encounters annually, which allows for outstanding education and translational research opportunities.
Neurology Clinical Fellowship Programs
One of the fellowship programs is Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship, which provides an opportunity for neurologists with an interest in clinical neuroimmunology to develop specialized expertise in patient care and research for individuals with MS and related disorders.