Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program
Location:
Chicago, ILSpecialty:
Neonatal-perinatal medicineACGME Code:
3291621020Overview of the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program
The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program at Cook County Health started in 1968, making it one of the oldest such programs in the United States. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), this program is designed to prepare fellows to become skilled neonatologists equipped in both clinical care and research activities. It emphasizes care for underserved populations, allowing fellows to treat infants from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
1Curriculum and Training Structure
The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and robust clinical foundation. Fellows receive practical training in a variety of settings, focusing on clinical care, basic science, and epidemiology research. Over the years, fellows engage in neonatal transports, teaching rounds, and interdisciplinary high-risk clinics. This curriculum aims to offer protected time for scholarly activities, ensuring that fellows can balance clinical responsibilities with research endeavors.
1Clinical Schedule
The fellowship spans three years, with structured clinical rotations:
- First Year: 1 month of clinical orientation, 5 months in direct patient care and supervision, 5 months in research orientation, and 1 month of vacation.
- Second Year: 4 months of direct patient care, 7 months of research, and 1 month of vacation.
- Third Year: 3 months of direct patient care at the level 4 NICU alongside 6 months of research, and 1 month of vacation.
Fellows also rotate externally at Advocate Christ Medical Center and participate in a Neonatal High-Risk Clinic, providing them with comprehensive training experiences.
1Learning Opportunities
The program offers extensive learning opportunities such as morning reports three times weekly, weekly grand rounds, journal clubs, mortality and morbidity conferences, and simulation sessions for residents. Research is integrated throughout the fellowship, with opportunities to investigate clinical and laboratory projects. Each fellow is supported by the Scholarship Oversight Committee to design and conduct research, submit protocols, and publish findings.
1Research Experience
Research is a significant focus of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to select clinical or laboratory-focused areas of study. Key topics include epidemiology, risk factors related to neonatal care, and ongoing investigations into conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis and patent ductus arteriosus. This mentorship and research experience is vital for developing the fellows' investigative skills.
1Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The program offers sponsorship for H1B and J1 visas, welcoming both US graduates and international medical graduates. While it is competitive, the program is oriented to be friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, enhancing diversity within the fellow cohort.
1Specific Application Requirements
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency. Eligibility is determined based on several criteria, including the submission of USMLE or COMLEX scores, a medical school transcript, and three letters of recommendation. The program requires at least a passing score on the USMLE Step III examination by Match Day and has a cut-off for graduation within the last five years.
1Benefits and Support
Fellows receive robust benefits, including paid time off (4 weeks of vacation and several sick days), a yearly educational allowance of $1500, meal allowances, and comprehensive insurance coverage (malpractice, health, dental, vision). The program supports life balance for fellows, offering maternity/paternity leave and other family medical leave.
1Current Fellows
The current fellows represent a diverse pool with varied backgrounds, reflecting the program's commitment to fostering a rich learning environment. The fellowship continuously updates its cohort with bright and dedicated medical professionals who aim to excel in the field of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
1Website
Director
Christian Castillo, MDAttending Physician/Research Mentor Appointed Since April 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
65hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
28hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,913First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Chicago, IL
Housing - Rental Prices
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Living in Chicago, IL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Chicago has areas with higher crime rates, but many neighborhoods are safe. It's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, music venues, and a variety of dining options. There are also beautiful parks and Lake Michigan for outdoor activities.
- Climate: Chicago has cold winters with snow and hot, humid summers. Spring and fall are pleasant seasons.
- Races and Population: Chicago is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and cultures, making it a multicultural hub.
- Education: Chicago has several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continuous learning.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Chicago is relatively high compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Milwaukee, WI (1.5 hours drive) and Indianapolis, IN (3 hours drive).
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, diverse population, great food options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, areas with higher crime rates, and extreme weather conditions.
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