Aug 2025

From the bedside to the lab, from local clinics to global health missions, and from public health leadership to advocacy, the exciting field of infectious diseases offers a variety of career paths for SHPEP scholars and alumni to discover. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, a global community working together to solve the challenges of infectious diseases, invites you to learn more about these diverse opportunities and how you can get involved.

About IDSA

 The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.

Why choose a career in infectious diseases?

Whether you’re passionate about health equity, fascinated by microbiology, or inspired by global health work, ID offers a career that is both purpose-driven and intellectually stimulating.

ID clinicians tackle some of the most pressing challenges in medicine today: emerging infections, health disparities, antimicrobial resistance and global outbreaks. They also lead research on cutting-edge vaccines and treatments, care for people with HIV and other chronic infections, and shape public health responses that impact entire communities. ID offers a dynamic career path with strong job security.

Explore ID with these career resources:

To help you explore ID and begin your journey, IDSA offers several resources:

📍 ID Career Road Map to Becoming an ID Physician: View this step-by-step guide to becoming an ID physician, from pre-med through fellowship and beyond, with resources from IDSA and other leading medical organizations.

🎥 Careers in ID Webinar: Explore IDSA career resources and hear directly from a diverse panel of ID professionals about their career paths and what inspires their work.

🧭 Careers in ID Presentation: Learn why ID is a dynamic and rewarding field and explore the many career paths it offers — from clinical care and microbiology to research and public health.

🌐 IDSA Career Center: Explore career paths and job opportunities in the field.

🧬 ID STEP: The ID Spark, Train, Educate and Prepare program provides $30,000 to medical schools to support providing opportunities for medical students to learn about ID as an exciting career option, gain information on the variety of subspecialties within ID, receive career advice through mentorship and engage in experiential ID learning opportunities.

Opportunities to connect and get involved:

🤝 iDMentorship365 Program: IDSA’s year-round mentoring program connects medical and pharmacy students and residents with ID professionals who can offer guidance, share experiences and help you navigate your path in medicine.

📅IDWeek, Oct. 19-22, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia: This premier ID meeting brings together thousands of infectious diseases experts and trainees. Attend sessions on cutting-edge science, meet mentors and peers, and learn how ID specialists are shaping the future of global health. Student- and resident-focused events and networking opportunities make it a great opportunity to explore the field. Join us virtually or in person and start planning your conference experience today!

Infectious diseases is a field where science meets real-world impact. If you enjoy problem-solving, helping others or exploring big questions, there’s a place for you in ID. The future of ID relies on talented people from all backgrounds, whose diverse perspectives drive innovation and improve care. Check out idsociety.org to learn more and see where a future in infectious diseases can take you!