Children's National Hospital Program

The ACGME-accredited Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) Fellowship Program at Children’s National Hospital is a two-year program dedicated to developing the next generation of pediatric rehabilitation specialists. The program’s mission is to promote the growth of pediatric rehabilitation medicine fellows and equip them with the necessary skills to treat children with disabilities effectively. This program aims to enhance the quality of care provided to children through fostering their functional outcomes and improving their quality of life.

Fellowship candidates must meet specific requirements including successful completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or a combined residency in PM&R and Pediatrics. Additionally, fellows must possess American Board of PM&R certification or eligibility and be eligible for medical licensure in the District of Columbia. This rigorous selection process ensures that entering fellows are adequately prepared for the demanding training that lies ahead 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured around multiple clinical experiences to ensure comprehensive training across various settings.
Fellows will experience different rotations, including:

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

The program features a 12-bed acute inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit at the MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. This setting provides exposure to approximately 100 admissions per year, catering to a range of age groups from 3 to 18 years. Common conditions treated in this unit include brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and various musculoskeletal disorders, allowing fellows to gain hands-on experience with complex patient cases 2.

Inpatient Consultation

Fellows engage in inpatient consultations at Children’s National Hospital, participating in over 1,400 consultations annually across various ICUs and specialty services. This experience enables fellows to manage complex cases involving hypertonia, neuroirritability, and pain management, among others 2.

Outpatient Experience

With more than 3,700 outpatient visits per year, fellows are involved in general PRM clinics addressing a wide array of functional deficits. These clinics allow fellows to interface with multidisciplinary teams for conditions like cerebral palsy and oncological diagnoses, thereby enhancing their clinical acumen 2.

Didactic Education and Procedural Training

Fellows participate in a robust didactic series that includes lectures, case discussions, and ethics rounds. They also have access to national conferences, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. Procedurally, they receive training in a variety of techniques related to pediatric rehabilitation medicine, including chemodenervation and intrathecal baclofen management 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a dedicated team of faculty members comprised of pediatric rehabilitation specialists. These professionals are not only involved in fellow education but also provide a collaborative environment where fellows can develop mentorship relationships with experienced practitioners 3.

Fellowship Resources and Support

The PRM fellowship offers various support resources, encompassing educational days, financial support for conference attendance, and a comprehensive library system. Additionally, fellows benefit from 20 vacation days annually with the ability to tailor their schedules according to individual needs 4.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The PRM Fellowship Program supports visa sponsorship, accommodating international medical graduates pursuing advanced training in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. The program is generally competitive, though it showcases a welcoming environment for DOs and international medical graduates seeking opportunities in the United States.

Application Requirements

As part of the competitive application process, the program holds specific requirements, such as limits on failed STEP exams and expectations regarding graduation year. Successful applicants must navigate through virtual interviews, which include interactions with faculty and tours of hospital facilities.