ID STEP Program (2026-2027)
Join ID STEP to:
- Learn about the field of infectious diseases and what an ID physician does
- Be paired with an ID mentor who will bring you to the bedside and into our conferences
- Explore the field of ID with like-minded peers
- Pursue an independent clinical or research project with small funding support
- Get support to attend IDWeek to present your work
Program Details:
➡️ Accepted on a rolling basis
➡️ We will help you select an ID Mentor who matches your interests, either a senior ID clinical fellow or ID faculty
➡️ Your mentor will recommend activities and introduce you to others in their field
➡️ You will complete 5 ID STEP Passport activities (at least 1 in each category) within 12 months:
Categories
- Clinical immersion– Join us in the General ID, Transplant ID, or HIV clinics; round with us on the ID consult, Immunocompromised Host, or the Medicine ID service; Shadow in the public health department (STD/HIV clinics) or with ID docs providing care in the prison; Antibiotic stewardship; Micro Rounds; so much to do!
- Scholarly engagement – ID Case conference; ID Grand Rounds (IGHID Friday conference series); ID Fellows Journal Club
- ID STEP events – Lunchtime educational grand rounds (MS1/MS2); an ID-themed Escape Room; ID Careers panel
ID STEP Scholars:
Eligible to apply after 3 activities completed in ID STEP Passport Program (2026-2027) - Apply with chosen mentor (ID fellow or faculty)
- Clinical Scholars Track – QI project, dedicated time at clinical site, case series write-up
- Research Scholars Track – Clinical, laboratory, or field-based research
- Submit a 1 page proposal, budget, and 1 page letter of support
- $1,000 awarded for up to 7 scholars to help complete their project
- Accepted on a rolling basis
- An additional $750 to support conference travel to IDWeek with submission of project report
Our Faculty Directors:
Contact us! Email ID-STEP@med.unc.edu to set up a meeting with one of our faculty directors.
ID Careers and UNC Infectious Diseases:
The IDSA’s iDMentorship365 connects students, residents, fellows and early-career professionals with experienced mentors in infectious diseases. The IDSA website also offers other resources.- Read an article about careers in infectious diseases.
- Learn about our fellowship programs in infectious diseases.
- Follow @UNCInfectiousDiseases on Instagram to learn more about us!