Carolinas Medical Center Program

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center offers a comprehensive training program that integrates family-centered care and emergency medicine. The program focuses on developing leaders in the field who will advance pediatric emergency care in both academic and community settings.

The fellowship provides training in a busy urban emergency department, handling over 35,000 pediatric visits annually. Fellows actively participate in resuscitations and trauma situations, including approximately 1,000 pediatric trauma activations each year at the institution’s Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Situated within Carolinas Medical Center, the flagship of Atrium Health, this urban 874-bed tertiary care hospital offers a rich foundation for fellowship education, encompassing both clinical experience and comprehensive academic opportunities

Clinical Environment

The program enables fellows to gain experience in a dedicated Children's Emergency Department, supported by ancillary services, which include child life specialists and social work, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. The clinical site also features Levine Children's Hospital, which is a state-of-the-art facility recognized among "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report, providing fellows with substantial exposure to various pediatric subspecialties.

Research Program

Research is a critical curriculum component. Fellows are expected to engage in independent clinical or bench research projects, supported by a robust departmental research team including coordinators and statisticians. They receive training in statistics, epidemiology, technical writing, and research design, with an expectation to complete projects of publishable quality, ultimately presenting findings at national conferences. Faculty mentorship is available for those pursuing careers as clinician-researchers, providing ample opportunities for scholarly collaboration.

Teaching Component

Fellows also have a strong teaching commitment, developing skills in various teaching formats, including lectures and bedside assessments. This training ensures that fellows build substantial teaching portfolios, enhanced by support from dedicated staff to assist in curriculum development and educational research projects.

Administration Education

Fellows can pursue electives in administration, gaining insights into clinical policy, risk management, and quality assurance processes. This program includes practical initiatives that enable fellows to engage in healthcare operations, alongside opportunities to work on quality improvement projects

International Opportunities

The fellowship includes unique global health initiatives, such as collaborative efforts in building emergency medicine residency programs in East Africa, particularly at Muhimbili National Hospital. Opportunities for participation in international projects like educational development or direct clinical involvement are available for interested fellows. The program’s Global Health Track also awards certification through practical training experiences abroad.

Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Preparedness

The fellowship features a strong emphasis on EMS and disaster preparedness training. Participants can engage in a four-week EMS rotation, providing hands-on experience in pediatric emergency services. Additionally, fellows interface closely with the National Disaster Medical System and contribute to local endeavors aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Injury Prevention and Toxicology Rotations

Injury prevention is addressed through the Carolinas Center for Injury Prevention, allowing fellows to collaborate on community outreach and research. A focused rotation in toxicology exposes fellows to a wide variety of cases managed through the Carolinas Poison Center, enhancing knowledge and skills in this vital aspect of pediatric emergency care.

Simulation and Ultrasound Training

The program incorporates advanced simulation training to facilitate the practice of critical and procedural skills, complemented by dedicated ultrasound training. Throughout the fellowship, hands-on experiences in ultrasound-guided procedures promote a practical skill set beneficial for clinical practice, including assessments relevant to pediatric emergencies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship offers visa support for international medical graduates, typically sponsoring J-1 visas or H-1B visas, making it accessible for non-U.S. citizens. The program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO candidates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) demonstrating strong qualifications.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit through ERAS, including three letters of recommendation, an official medical school transcript, a personal statement, and test results (USMLE or COMLEX). There are no specific restrictions regarding application timing, although candidates should demonstrate commitment to pediatric emergency medicine through their applications.