2022 G.E.R.M. Program provides research funding for medical students interested in ID or HIV careers
In 2019, nearly 80% of U.S. counties had no infectious diseases specialists, leaving too many jurisdictions ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. The field of HIV medicine faces similar challenges. In 2019, more than 1.2 million people were living with HIV in the U.S., with the need for HIV care outpacing the number of new clinicians entering the field.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, the critical need for ID and HIV physicians will continue to grow. To develop a strong, diverse workforce, more opportunities are needed for medical students to gain ID or HIV experience and engage with ID and HIV specialists.
That’s why the IDSA Foundation and HIV Medicine Association developed the Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship Program. This program directly supports medical students interested in a career in ID or HIV by providing grant funding for longitudinal, ID-related clinical learning and/or research projects under the mentorship of an IDSA or HIVMA member for up to one year.
The application deadline for the 2022 G.E.R.M. Program is Monday, Feb. 7. With only a few weeks left to apply, we wanted to share why you should submit your application.
Connect with an experienced mentor
The process of selecting a specialty and pursuing the next career stage may seem daunting to some medical students. The G.E.R.M. Program requires applicants to identify a mentor to oversee their research project, and HIVMA is available to assist with this process. This alone allows medical students to connect with an experienced ID or HIV specialist and unlock firsthand insights about what it’s truly like to work in the field. The benefits of mentorship have the potential to last well beyond the program.
Increase your analytical, research and clinical skills
The G.E.R.M. Program provides first, second or third-year medical students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of ID. With funding and mentored support, awardees are able to increase their analytical, research and clinical skills while conducting an ID or HIV-related project of their choice. Dive deeper into an engaging focus area while enhancing practical skills along the way.
Earn funding for your project
Whether you are interested in clinical or research activities, you have the chance to receive a $4,000 stipend to complete a project focused on pediatric or adult infectious diseases, including HIV. Eligibility spans a wide range of categories, including basic science, epidemiology/clinical research, medical education, structured clinical experiences and quality improvement/program evaluation.
With $4,000 in grant funding and the long-lasting benefits of mentorship and professional development, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to apply for the 2022 G.E.R.M. Program.
Don’t forget to submit your application by Monday, Feb. 7. To learn more about the program and to view a list of frequently asked questions, visit idsafoundation.org/g-e-r-m/.