Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at Children's Mercy provides a robust training program for physicians seeking to gain expertise in the medical evaluation of children who may be victims of abuse or neglect. The program emphasizes the education of both medical and community personnel, equipping fellows with the skills necessary for research design, execution, evaluation, and community advocacy. The commitment to serving children and families in need is a core value of the fellowship, which integrates clinical practice with public health initiatives.

The fellowship incorporates extensive clinical experience, with the Child Abuse Pediatrics section handling approximately 1,700 outpatient visits and 150 inpatient consults yearly. Fellows have the opportunity to engage deeply with community resources, including child advocacy centers, Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART), and mental health agencies, building a comprehensive network for support and intervention.

Curriculum Structure

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship spans three years and is designed to meet the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The curriculum covers various aspects of child abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and conditions like failure to thrive. Clinical experiences involve a multidisciplinary approach, enabling fellows to work with healthcare providers from diverse specialties. Research is integrated into the fellowship, and fellows are encouraged to participate in community-based investigations

Clinical Experience

Fellows are involved in the CARE Clinic and will circulate through multiple clinical responsibilities, including outpatient evaluations, inpatient consults, and urgent response duties. They are expected to engage in call duties alongside faculty supervision to ensure the highest quality of patient care. The clinical experience is designed to promote gradual clinical independence while ensuring fellows receive timely guidance from experienced faculty throughout their training.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research that focuses on injury prevention, the accurate diagnosis of abuse, and educational resource development. There is a strong emphasis on improving child abuse education and services, providing fellows with the chance to contribute to significant advancements in the field while developing their skills in a supportive research environment.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a dedicated team of faculty with extensive expertise in child abuse pediatrics. Fellows will benefit from mentorship and professional development opportunities that enable them to excel within the field. Faculty engagement is an essential element of the fellowship, providing fellows with access to seasoned professionals and fostering a collaborative educational atmosphere.

Application Process

Candidates for the fellowship must have completed a pediatric residency and are required to have passed Step 3 of the USMLE prior to being ranked. The program accepts one fellow per year, using the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) for screening applicants. International medical graduates must also have an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, have achieved minimum scores of 90 on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, and completed clinical training in the United States. The program primarily sponsors J-1 visas, with some consideration given to H-1B visas under specific circumstances.

Salaries and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salary packages and benefits, which include educational stipends, health insurance, and a moving allowance in addition to robust academic support. A comprehensive health plan is provided, covering health and dental insurance without premiums, along with access to wellness programs and fitness facilities, promoting the physical as well as mental well-being of the fellows.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at Children's Mercy offers unique components such as the option to earn a certificate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in research design and biostatistics. The program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives such as UIM (Underrepresented in Medicine) Mix & Mingles which facilitate networking for fellows from diverse backgrounds.