Children's Mercy Hospital Program

The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship program at Children's Mercy Kansas City focuses on training medical professionals to become successful academic pediatric pulmonologists. The program offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to cultivate future leaders in pediatrics, emphasizing education, research, quality and safety, and medical administration.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship features robust clinical training within the division of Allergy, Immunology, Pulmonology, and Sleep, which serves a diverse patient population from infancy to young adulthood, facing various respiratory and sleep disorders. The division conducts over 600 inpatient consultations and manages more than 4,000 outpatient visits annually, providing fellows ample exposure to clinical scenarios.

Fellows engage in both inpatient and outpatient rotations, ensuring a well-rounded clinical experience. In the first year, fellows participate in 6 months of inpatient consultations, 1 month in a sleep clinic, and have protected time for research or electives. Subsequent years focus on multidisciplinary clinics and chronic ventilation rotations, allowing extensive patient interaction and clinical responsibility.

Essential Rotations

The fellowship includes rotations in:

• Inpatient Pulmonary Service
• Continuity Clinic
• Cystic Fibrosis Care
• Pediatric Sleep Disorders
• Various multidisciplinary clinics tailored for years two and three

Academic Curriculum

The academic curriculum provides fellows protected time for essential conferences and didactics, ensuring they stay engaged in contemporary topics in pediatric pulmonology. This includes monthly core didactics and participation in journal clubs, case series, and team meetings.

Fellows have the opportunity to pursue further academic credentials, including a Master's or Graduate Certificate through the University of Missouri-Kansas City, enhancing their educational foundation.

Research Opportunities

Research is a core component of the fellowship, with each fellow required to complete a scholarly project leading to a publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The Children's Mercy Research Institute provides vital support for a wide array of clinical, basic, and translational research projects. Fellows receive guidance from a Scholarly Oversight Committee and work closely with proficient mentors throughout their training.

Fellows will allocate significant time for research during their fellowship, with specific dedicated blocks in their schedules for project work. This includes manuscript preparation and gathering data, guided by their mentors and faculty.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective applicants must complete a three-year ACGME-accredited pediatric residency prior to the fellowship. There should be no more than a two-year gap from completion to application. Candidates must hold certification in general pediatrics from the American Board of Pediatrics and have passed Step 3 of the USMLE before being ranked. Such prerequisites ensure that fellows are well-prepared for the challenges of the program.

International Applicants

International candidates are primarily accepted under J-1 Visa status, with Children's Mercy sponsoring these candidates under the ECFMG guidelines. In limited cases, the program may consider H-1B Visa sponsorship for applicants. All international fellows must maintain valid ECFMG certification during their training.

Salaries and Benefits

The fellowship stipulates a competitive salary structure, offering progressive annual salaries for fellows from PGY 4 to PGY 8, alongside additional benefits. These benefits encompass educational stipends, health insurance, vacation days, paid sick time, and tuition allowances for further education. Fellows are also provided hospital-issued laptops and free parking.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its training environment. Special sessions, such as UIM Mix & Mingles, are organized for underrepresented applicants, allowing them to connect with faculty and fellows and learn more about life at Children’s Mercy and in Kansas City.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Children's Mercy Hospital is recognized as a premier free-standing academic children's hospital, which contributes to the high-quality training environment. The institution emphasizes a supportive and collegial atmosphere, fostering the professional growth of its fellows. Diverse opportunities in multidisciplinary clinics and cross-departmental collaborations further enrich the fellowship experience, making it a distinctive choice for aspiring pediatric pulmonologists.