Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

Clinical Fellowship Overview

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Children's Mercy Hospital is a comprehensive three-year program designed to prepare fellows for a career in neonatal medicine. The program operates in the region's only top-ranked Level IV NICU, providing intensive care for over 80 fragile newborns daily. Advanced treatments such as ECMO and therapeutic whole-body cooling are core competencies of the hospital, which helps fellows gain hands-on experience with leading technologies and therapies in the field of neonatology 1.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through one Level IV NICU and three Level III NICUs across the Kansas City area, allowing exposure to a diverse patient population with a broad range of neonatal pathophysiology, including cases of extreme prematurity, congenital anomalies, surgical conditions, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia 3. The fellowship includes:

• Inpatient Care: Each fellow provides primary care to ECMO patients in the NICU and participates in the neonatal home ventilator program, both in the NICU and outpatient settings.
• Fetal Health Center Experience: Interactions through the Fetal Health Center afford fellows opportunities in fetal therapies and the management of complex newborn pathologies during delivery.
• Follow-Up Clinics: Fellows work in neonatal follow-up clinics, which include specialized care for extremely low birth weight infants and patients with congenital heart diseases during their time in the fellowship.

Academic Curriculum

The academic curriculum is meticulously crafted to enhance fellows' understanding of neonatal care and research. Each fellow must engage in scholarly activities that lead to research presentations at regional and national conferences 2. The fellowship structure is as follows:

• First Year: Five months of inpatient training and seven months dedicated to research, forming the foundation of their academic experiences.
• Second Year: Five additional months of inpatient training (including one month of Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and a further focus on research.
• Third Year: Four months of inpatient training, seven months of research, and one elective month that allows for further specialization based on individual fellow interests.

Research Opportunities

Fellows at Children's Mercy are expected to pursue academic inquiries throughout their training, culminating in at least one manuscript submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Research mentorship is available, as well as access to various scientific resources, including clinical and translational research opportunities 6.

Didactic Training

Fellows participate in a wide variety of educational conferences that reinforce both clinical and operational skills. Monthly activities include:

• NICU education conferences
• Monthly case conferences, journal clubs, and M&M conferences
• Quarterly special care conferences and transport conferences
• Annual fellow retreats and simulation exercises

Salaries and Benefits

Competitive salaries for fellows spanning from PGY-4 to PGY-8 range from approximately $78,540.80 to $86,590.40, depending on experience 4. Additional benefits include:

• $1,500 educational stipend per academic year
• Tuition allowance of $5,250 annually
• Health and dental insurance at no cost for trainees and dependents
• 20 days of vacation, paid sick leave, and access to various wellness resources

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective candidates for the fellowship must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). Importantly, all applicants must have passed Step 3 prior to being ranked 5. For international medical graduates, the program accepts J-1 visa applicants sponsored by the ECFMG and may sponsor H-1B visas in select situations.

Competitiveness and Diversity Initiatives

The program prides itself on being inclusive and supportive of underrepresented groups in medicine. Special sessions such as UIM Mix & Mingles are organized to foster dialogue among diverse applicants regarding the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 1.