Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City is a prestigious and well-established program, being one of the oldest in the country since its inception in 1981. The program is affiliated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is fully accredited. It aims to cultivate pediatric emergency medicine physicians who will emerge as future leaders, educators, and researchers within this subspecialty. With a curriculum designed to blend a comprehensive clinical experience with academic rigor, fellows receive tailored training that emphasizes autonomy in patient care, leadership, and significant research opportunities.

Fellows are immersed in a rigorous academic curriculum that includes mandatory conferences held every Wednesday. These sessions cover essential topics and also include monthly high-fidelity simulations, aimed at enhancing clinical skills and team management in emergency situations. There is an emphasis on a longitudinal Pediatric POCUS curriculum, along with journal clubs and additional training that contributes to a comprehensive educational experience.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship offers extensive clinical exposure, providing fellows with the opportunity to manage a diverse range of pediatric medical emergencies. With a curriculum structured around 4-week rotations, fellows develop their skills progressively through direct supervision by faculty in their first year, leading to increased independence in patient management in subsequent years. The program features rotations in both the Adele Hall Emergency Department and the Children's Mercy Kansas Emergency Department, both of which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

Research Opportunities

The program is also noted for its robust research infrastructure, providing fellows with support in various areas of clinical research including health disparities and medical education. Fellows are guided by experienced faculty and have access to resources such as biostatistical support and funding opportunities for their research projects. The expectation is for fellows to complete a significant scholarly project during their fellowship and to present their findings at national conferences.

Faculty and Mentorship

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship program features a distinguished group of faculty comprising experienced clinicians dedicated to the personal and professional development of their fellows. This mentorship is a key aspect of the fellowship, as the faculty engage actively with fellows in their educational and research endeavors.

Salaries and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. For the academic period 2024-25, PGY 4 fellows earn $78,540.80, PGY 5 fellows earn $79,539.20, and PGY 6 fellows earn $81,203.20. Additional benefits include educational stipends, health and dental insurance, paid time off, access to fitness facilities, and tuition allowances for further education.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Process

The program sponsors J-1 Visas for international candidates who meet the necessary criteria and have valid ECFMG certification. In certain cases, the program may sponsor an H-1B Visa. Applicants must be in their final year of residency or have completed training in pediatrics, internal medicine/pediatrics, or emergency medicine. It's important for applicants to have passed Step 3 and to have completed a residency in a US ACGME accredited program.

Locations and Facilities

The training sites for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship include two premier pediatric emergency departments: the Adele Hall Emergency Department in downtown Kansas City and the Kansas Emergency Department in Overland Park. Both departments are equipped to handle high volumes of emergency patient visits and provide fellows with diverse clinical experiences in a child-friendly environment.