Children’s Mercy Hospital Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children's Mercy Hospital offers a robust training environment for physicians seeking to specialize in the field of pediatric infectious diseases. This fellowship provides extensive clinical exposure, research opportunities, and a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop expertise in the management of a wide range of infectious diseases affecting children.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship program is structured to provide both clinical training and research experience. Fellows will engage in numerous clinical rotations, including specialized clinics for areas such as international adoption, travel medicine, and special immunology. This diverse clinical training prepares fellows to handle complex infectious disease cases and ensures they are well-equipped to approach pediatric patients with compassion and skill 1.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will rotate through various services including the Infectious Diseases Clinic, Special Immunology Clinic, International Adoption Clinic, and the International Travel Medicine Clinic. Each rotation is designed to provide in-depth exposure to common and rare infectious diseases in pediatric populations. The Infectious Diseases Clinic provides outpatient consultations for children with known or suspected infections, including persistent fever and complicated pneumonia 2.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages fellows to engage in clinical and laboratory research projects. Fellows will have access to ongoing studies within the division, particularly those associated with the IMPAACT and NVSN studies focusing on childhood infectious diseases. The program emphasizes evidence-based medicine and the importance of research in clinical practice 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children's Mercy is distinctive for its commitment to comprehensive training in pediatric infectious diseases combined with leadership development. The program also prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, offering fellows the opportunity to work closely with specialists in pediatric immunology, primary care pediatricians, and other healthcare providers 3.

Training Sites

Training primarily occurs at the Children's Mercy Adele Hall Campus and Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas, both renowned for their pediatric healthcare services. These locations allow fellows to access a wide range of clinical expertise and resources leading to a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international graduates seeking to apply. VISA types sponsored may include J-1 and H-1B visas, which facilitate training for both international medical graduates and those seeking a position within the fellowship. This support ensures that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can apply and contribute to the program 1.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children's Mercy is considered a highly competitive program, welcoming applications from both U.S. Medical Graduates (MDs/DOs) and international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates typically are those who show a strong foundation in pediatrics, a profound interest in infectious diseases, and the potential for academic contribution 1.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed a pediatric residency, with additional scrutiny on academic performance and clinical competence throughout training. Specific requirements often include a maximum number of attempts on licensing exams and a strong performance in pediatric evaluations. The program may also consider factors such as research experience and letters of recommendation, which can significantly enhance an applicant's profile 2.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is typically structured to last for three years, allowing for a comprehensive training period in both clinical and research aspects. The first two years focus heavily on clinical rotations, while the final year emphasizes research projects and preparation for board examinations in pediatric infectious diseases 3.

Patient Care Philosophy

At Children's Mercy, the approach to patient care within the Pediatric Infectious Diseases division focuses on compassionate care tied closely with evidence-based practices. This model ensures that fellows are trained to make informed clinical decisions while maintaining a patient-centered approach in all interactions 2.