Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Program

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers a comprehensive training program in the subspecialty of Child Abuse Pediatrics. This three-year fellowship equips its trainees with extensive clinical skills, research capabilities, and teaching experience necessary to become academic leaders in the field.

Mission and Program Aims

The mission of the fellowship is to recruit dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds, preparing them to excel as leaders within Child Abuse Pediatrics. Training is focused on developing clinical competencies in assessing, diagnosing, and managing various forms of child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and medical abuse.

The program aims to:

• Train fellows to be proficient clinicians skilled in the evaluation and management of child maltreatment.
• Prepare future academic leaders who contribute to the field through research and education.
• Develop effective communication skills with families and professionals involved in cases of suspected abuse.
• Encourage scholarly activities related to child maltreatment.
• Equip fellows to provide ethical testimony in legal cases of child abuse.

Diversity and Inclusion

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. The fellowship prioritizes attracting candidates from varied backgrounds, believing that diversity enhances innovation, quality of care, and team dynamics. Ongoing initiatives focus on recruitment from diverse pipelines, advancement of diverse faculty, and creation of an inclusive work environment.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is structured over three years, with the first year emphasizing clinical training. During this time, fellows gain hands-on experience in assessing various forms of maltreatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supported by mentorship and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.

The second and third years focus on scholarly activities where each fellow develops a unique research project aligned with personal interests. They are matched with a primary research mentor, fostering weekly or biweekly meetings to ensure project progress and academic development.

Clinical Services

Fellows participate actively in multiple clinical environments, including:

• The Inpatient Child Protection Team Consult Service
• The Buerger Center Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation (CARE) Clinic
• The King of Prussia Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation (CARE) Clinic
• The Children’s Care Collaborative Clinic
• The Safe Place Telemedicine Program

Electives and Research Opportunities

To complement their primary training in child abuse pediatrics, fellows have the opportunity to engage in elective experiences across various disciplines, including research, legislative advocacy, and specialized medical fields. Training in research methodologies is supported through programs offered by the University of Pennsylvania, including advanced degrees in Health Policy or Clinical Epidemiology.

Conferences and Meetings

Fellows actively engage in multidisciplinary meetings and conferences, which bolster their learning and professional networking. These include weekly lectures, case conferences, grand rounds, and specialized team meetings that address current trends and challenges in child abuse pediatrics.

Outcomes of Fellows

Alumni of the fellowship have established distinguished careers as clinician-educators, researchers, and advocates, influencing child abuse pediatrics nationally. The program's graduates have secured positions in esteemed institutions, reflecting the efficacy of the training received at CHOP.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must hold a medical degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution or have completed a year of training in an ACGME-accredited U.S. hospital. Candidates must demonstrate eligibility for board certification in Pediatrics, submit their USMLE scores, and provide several other documents, including:

• A completed ERAS application
• Medical school transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• A curriculum vitae
• A personal statement

Visa Support

The fellowship is open to international medical graduates (IMGs), who can be supported with visa sponsorship during their fellowship tenure. The program can sponsor J-1 Visa and H-1B Visa applications, depending on eligibility and individual circumstances.

Competitiveness

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at CHOP is recognized for its strong mentoring and training structures, making it a competitive option for prospective fellows. While the program welcomes various applicants, it includes considerations for those from diverse backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive approach to candidate selection.