This ACGME-accredited one-year fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain advanced clinical and laboratory training in microbiology, serology and healthcare epidemiology. Trainees split their time between the University of Chicago and Endeavor Health laboratories, with hands-on rotations, research and lab management experience. Graduates are eligible for subspecialty certification in Medical Microbiology through the American Board of Pathology.

Our program is sponsored by the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

About the program

The Medical Microbiology Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program that provides in-depth training across multiple settings. Fellows rotate through clinical microbiology laboratories at:

  • University of Chicago Medical Center
  • Evanston Hospital
  • Chicago Department of Public Health

Trainees gain robust experience in microbiology, serology, immunology, molecular diagnostics and healthcare epidemiology through structured bench rotations, academic conferences, research and management activities. The program prepares fellows for subspecialty certification through the American Board of Pathology.

Program structure & curriculum

12 months

  • 6 months at University of Chicago
  • 6 months at Evanston Hospital
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Immunology and serology
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Healthcare epidemiology
  • Laboratory operations and management
  • Structured bench rotations
  • Case conferences and didactics
  • Independent research
How to apply

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Hold an MD or DO (or foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification)
  • Be board-eligible or certified in AP/CP or CP
     – OR –
     Have completed one year of clinical infectious disease training after board certification in internal medicine, pediatrics, or both
  • Be eligible for an Illinois medical license

Application process

We are accepting applications for academic years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027.

Submit the following documents electronically to Program Manager Yinka Ogunbekun at: adeyinka.ogunbekun [at] bsd.uchicago.edu (adeyinka[dot]ogunbekun[at]bsd[dot]uchicago[dot]edu)

Required materials:

  • Fellowship application (CAP standard application also accepted)
  • Photo
  • Current CV
  • Personal statement describing your career goals and brief biography
  • Medical school diploma
  • USMLE or COMLEX transcript
  • ECFMG certificate, if applicable
  • Three letters of recommendation (addressed to Dr. Vera Tesic, Fellowship Director)
Facilities

Fellows benefit from training at three institutions:

  • University of Chicago Medical Center – An academic referral center with robust diagnostic and research capabilities
  • Evanston Hospital – A community teaching hospital offering a high-volume, multi-disciplinary microbiology lab

Chicago Department of Public Health – Public health-oriented laboratory training and exposure to urban healthcare challenges

Faculty & leadership
  • Vera Tesic, MD, MS, D(ABMM) – Program Director, University of Chicago
  • Erin McElvania, PhD – Associate Program Director, Endeavor Health
  • Kathleen Beavis, MD – University of Chicago
  • Angelica Moran MD, PhD - University of Chicago
  • Nicole Tarlton, PhD – Endeavor Health

Life as a fellow

Fellows in our Medical Microbiology program benefit from a collaborative academic environment, strong mentorship, and robust institutional support. Training occurs across both academic and community-based laboratories, allowing for a comprehensive and rewarding experience.

Fellow stipends are commensurate with the level of postgraduate training. Benefits include multiple options for health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, in addition to optional plans like legal insurance, pet insurance and commuter benefits.

Fellows have access to state-of-the-art microbiology, molecular diagnostics and immunology labs at both the University of Chicago and Evanston Hospital. Workspaces are well-equipped for clinical practice, research, and laboratory management training.

Education includes structured bench rotations, weekly case conferences, journal clubs and institutional didactics. Fellows are encouraged to participate in independent research projects and may attend national meetings.

Fellows receive paid time off and have access to institutional wellness programs and employee assistance resources. Schedules are designed to support learning and minimize burnout.

Free or low-cost parking is available at most sites. Public transportation options are convenient, especially for downtown rotations at the University of Chicago or the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Program contact

Fellowship Director
Dr. Vera Tesic
vtesic [at] bsd.uchicago.edu (vtesic[at]bsd[dot]uchicago[dot]edu)

Program Manager
Yinka Ogunbekun
adeyinka.ogunbekun [at] bsd.uchicago.edu (adeyinka[dot]ogunbekun[at]bsd[dot]uchicago[dot]edu)
Phone: (847) 570-2019