Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Program

The Pediatric General Surgery Fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers a comprehensive training program designed to equip fellows with the skills and expertise needed to excel in pediatric surgery. Established in 1946, the program has successfully trained over 90 individuals, most of whom have transitioned into academic roles within the United States and internationally. The duration of the fellowship is two years, beginning each year on August 1, with all training being conducted at the Main Campus of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The core of the fellowship is embedded within the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, comprising a multi-disciplinary team including fifteen full-time attending pediatric surgeons, accredited fellows, medical students, advanced practice nurses, and dedicated surgical dietitians. This team oversees more than 4,000 general surgical operations annually, maintaining a patient load of approximately 80-100, with a significant portion of these being neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU).

Program Structure

Since 2004, the fellowship has operated with a structure wherein one or two fellows are appointed in alternating years, allowing for a maximum of three accredited fellows present at any single time. Each fellow is integrated into the pediatric surgical service, gaining extensive operative experience while providing comprehensive perioperative care. Over the course of the fellowship, pediatric surgical fellows perform an average of over 1,300 cases, including significant exposure to infants and complex surgical procedures. Their responsibilities evolve to include duties akin to that of a Chief Surgical Resident for a year, enhancing their administrative skills and clinical management.

Sub-specialty Surgical Exposure

Fellows also engage in innovative clinical programs that enhance surgical education. One prominent program is the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, renowned for its comprehensive care model for fetuses with congenital anomalies. Other significant services include an active Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, a Minimally Invasive Surgery program, and various specialty clinical programs focusing on complex conditions like Pediatric Oncology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Training and Education

The educational approach within the fellowship emphasizes experiential learning complemented by traditional didactic methods. This involves participating in a robust conference schedule encompassing Grand Rounds, CORE Lectures, Journal Club, and multidisciplinary Tumor Board meetings. Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in academic research, contributing to publications with support from a dedicated research coordinator and access to the resources of the University of Pennsylvania’s Library.

Research Facilities

The Pediatric Surgical Research laboratories are housed in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, notable for being the largest pediatric research building globally. Access to extensive research facilities enables fellows to engage actively in clinical investigations, collaborating on projects that underscore innovation in pediatric surgical practices. This environment fosters research that has garnered support from prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the Pediatric General Surgery Fellowship, candidates must have completed a five-year general surgical residency accredited by the American Board of Surgery and obtained a medical license in Pennsylvania by the appointment date. Candidates must also hold ATLS certification. As part of the application, fellows are expected to exhibit a commitment to patient safety and community health through compliance with the institution's vaccination mandates for COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccines.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known to be moderately competitive, welcoming a range of applicants, including both DO and IMG candidates. The fellowship offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in this prestigious training program. The framework encourages diversity, and the institution actively promotes an inclusive culture for all candidates.

Overall, the Pediatric General Surgery Fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia stands out for its commitment to providing exceptional training in pediatric surgery, resulting in well-rounded graduates equipped to advance pediatric surgical care globally.