Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

Children's Mercy Hospital offers a three-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics aimed at training pediatricians for academic careers in this special field. The fellowship provides a comprehensive clinical, educational, and research experience in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, with eligibility for board certification upon completion. The faculty is robust, consisting of eight developmental pediatricians, eight psychiatrists, over 50 doctorate-level psychologists, behavior analysts, social workers, and nursing professionals who are committed to high-quality patient care and academic development 1.

Curriculum Overview

The academic curriculum integrates a variety of didactic and clinical experiences designed to prepare fellows for an academic career 2. It includes:

• Didactic Series: Monthly two-hour sessions covering topics essential for board certification.
• Common Curriculum: Monthly one-hour sessions on quality improvement, teaching, ethics, and communication, relevant to all first-year fellows.
• Enhancement Activities: Monthly sessions focusing on wellness and enrichment topics.
• Biostatistics Course: A comprehensive 12-month course to enable strong analytical skills.
• Psychology Didactics: 2-3 sessions monthly focusing on various core topics in behavioral health.
• Journal Club: A monthly review of recently published studies relevant to the fellowship.
• National Meetings: Encouragement to attend significant regional and national conferences, such as the Pediatric Academic Societies meetings 2.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship features extensive hands-on clinical training, including:

• Continuity Clinics:
• Developmental Continuity Clinic: Meets two half-days per week in the first year, focusing on a range of developmental disabilities.
• Behavioral Continuity Clinic: One half-day per week in the first year, addressing behavioral issues and utilizing empirical treatment approaches.
• Developmental-Behavioral Continuity Clinic: Combines both clinics starting in the second year, ensuring longitudinal patient follow-up.

The fellow will undergo a variety of essential rotations throughout the fellowship, including experiences in genetics, ADHD management, inpatient consultations, and community service observations. This structure is instrumental in refining clinical aptitude and establishing long-term relationships with families 3.

Research Opportunities

A crucial component of the fellowship is the requirement for each fellow to complete a scholarly project, guided by a Scholarship Oversight Committee (SOC) appointed by the program director. This process fosters expertise in research, providing dedicated time to fellows for research activities that increase from 18% in the first year to 47% in the third year. Training also includes a Grant Writing Curriculum, where fellows collaborate with mentors on grant applications, eligible for various funding opportunities 6.

Salaries and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive salaries starting at $78,540 for PGY 4, climbing to $86,590 by PGY 8. Benefits further include:

• $1,500 yearly education stipend
• $2,250 professional stipend for scholarly activities
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance with no premiums
• Access to clinical librarians, statisticians, and various support services
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Support for board exam costs and wellness resources

Application Process

Applicants must complete an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency prior to fellowship and pass Step 3 of the USMLE. International Medical Graduates are primarily accepted with J-1 Visa status; H-1B sponsorship is also considered in specific circumstances. All application materials must be submitted through the ERAS system, and precise requirements are outlined within that process 5.

Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion through optional Mix & Mingle sessions targeting underrepresented groups in medicine, facilitating networking and support 1.