The second year curriculum, in addition to the research project, is tailored to meet the special needs and interests of each fellow. Rotations at other medical centers may be arranged when appropriate. Opportunities exist for involvement in epidemiology and public health, molecular biology and immunology, and specialized areas of clinical infectious diseases. The division of infectious diseases is involved in an increasing spectrum of research projects. In addition to a long history of involvement in experimental drug treatment trials, the division has developed active research projects in the epidemiology and biology of Lyme disease, the use of molecular probes in the detection of microbial agents and the pharmacokinetics of antibiotic use.
Excellent opportunities exist for research in hospital or public health epidemiology.
The Maine Medical Center Research Institute provides supervision and a laboratory setting for the application of molecular biology and immunology to infectious disease research. In addition, the MMC AIDS Consultation Service has embarked on several clinical drug trials and provides a setting for additional research efforts that focus on clinical and immunological aspects of HIV infection. These projects may be primarily epidemiologic, clinical, or basic research as determined by the fellows' interests. Research support is available from the MMC Research Foundation for fellows' research projects.