Advocate Health Care/Advocate Children's Hospital (Park Ridge) Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge is a comprehensive three-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is designed to provide fellows with the necessary education, clinical exposure, and research opportunities to develop into competent neonatologists committed to personal and clinical excellence.

The program's curriculum focuses on the individual career goals of each fellow, with a commitment to fostering an environment that encourages both clinical and academic excellence. Fellows are trained to manage various neonatal diseases and are equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities associated with the care of newborns. This includes hands-on experience in a busy Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where fellows gain exposure to complex cases such as those requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and total body cooling, among other advanced therapeutic modalities 2.

Mission and Aims

The mission of the program is to train compassionate neonatologists who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program aims to instill an evidence-based approach for diagnosing and managing disorders that arise during the antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal period. This training encompasses not only clinical proficiency but also the ethical and emotional support necessary in neonatal care 2.

Application Process

The program accepts two new fellows each year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must complete all clinical education in an ACGME-accredited residency program and submit several documents, including letters of recommendation, CV, personal statement, and transcripts 4. An important aspect to note is that international medical graduates (IMGs) must provide an ECFMG status report.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to ensure a smooth transition from residency to fellowship. The first two months are dedicated to orientation, where fellows operate at a senior resident level. This period incorporates the management of patients in the NICU with a focus on decision-making and communication with various stakeholders, including clinical staff and families 7.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows participate in various rotations, including pediatric cardiology, maternal-fetal medicine, and developmental follow-up programs. Each rotation is designed to build specific competencies and gradually increase responsibility 8. Research is also a critical component, with dedicated time allocated to developing, executing, and publishing research projects. Mentorship from faculty and peers ensures that fellows receive support throughout their academic endeavors 7.

Facilities and Resources

The training campus features a modern 54-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a busy pediatric emergency department. The NICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and provides comprehensive care for over 600 neonatal admissions per year, supported by a multidisciplinary team including specialized pediatricians, nurses, and allied health professionals 9.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salary packages, with annual compensation ranging from $70,500 to $76,500 depending on the year of training. Additional benefits include education allowances, paid time off, and options for health insurance. A $500 technology stipend is provided upon entry, and fellows also have access to a fitness center and complimentary laundry services 6.

Collaboration and Networking

Advocate Children's Hospital is actively involved with the Vermont Oxford Network and the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, which enhances the quality of neonatal care through collective research and data-driven improvement initiatives. These collaborative efforts provide fellows with exposure to a broader network of professionals in the field of neonatology 10.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and can sponsor various visa types for international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds including MDs and DOs. International medical graduates are also considered, provided they meet the eligibility criteria established by the program.