In addition, the fellows are the allergy and immunology consultants for the NIH and rotate through the diagnostic immunology laboratory. Fellows receive broad instruction in allergic and immunologic disorders, attend conferences designed to prepare trainees for the board examination, and are fully qualified clinically when they complete the program. The core of the research training program is the two years spent in the laboratory. Trainees work under the direct supervision of one of the M.D. or Ph.D. senior staff. The research experience is characterized by close daily contact with the preceptor, individual instruction, and continuity during the training period.
Fellows have the option, with approval, for a fourth and occasionally a fifth year of training.
Research opportunities involve a wide range of investigations in various aspects of allergy and immunology. These range from clinical to the most basic aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Diagnosis of and host responses to infectious agents. The role of antibody and cellular immune systems in inflammation and autoimmunity. The function of cellular receptors for immunoglobulin, cytokines, and matrix components.