Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital offers a comprehensive 3-year fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program aims to equip fellows with the skills needed to become exceptional clinicians and future leaders in the field of neonatology. The structure of the fellowship promotes a variety of educational experiences, hands-on patient care, and opportunities for scholarly activities within a supportive environment.

Fellows are deeply integrated into the clinical team, which is vital considering that the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center functions as the primary tertiary academic referral center for high-risk obstetric and neonatal patients in New Hampshire and south-central Vermont. Annually, approximately 450 patients are admitted to the ICN, and fellows are exposed to a diverse range of medical and surgical pathologies, allowing them to gain essential experience in both routine and complex cases 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education featuring clinical rotations that cover various aspects of neonatal care. This includes high-risk obstetrics, congenital heart disease diagnosis and management, ultrasonography, clinical pathology, and genetics. Additionally, fellows partake in long-term follow-ups for neonatal patients, active participation in neonatal transport, and outreach education to referring healthcare providers 1.

Fellows are assigned to the Intensive Care Nursery approximately every third month, alongside a commitment that includes about one weekend of call per month and one in-house night of call per week. Such a schedule emphasizes continuous clinical engagement and fosters a robust educational foundation as fellows frequently lead discussions for medical students and pediatric house staff, further enhancing their teaching and communication skills 1.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, providing fellows with the opportunity to engage in projects across various disciplines. They can choose to focus on basic science research within laboratories or delve into clinical research, including clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Additionally, fellows can contribute to quality improvement initiatives and patient safety research, all while being guided by experienced investigators in the field. Collaboration with The Dartmouth Institute enhances their research capabilities by allowing access to a wealth of resources and expertise 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship not only prioritizes clinical excellence but also fosters meaningful mentor-mentee relationships due to the limited number of fellows, typically two to three at a time. This small cohort size encourages strong connections with faculty and staff, facilitating mentorship and collaborative opportunities in a more personalized learning environment 1.

Fellows are also encouraged to take part in quality improvement projects through The Vermont Oxford Network, which is a platform for advancing neonatal care standards and implementing evidence-based practices 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is committed to inclusivity and diversity, supporting a wide range of applicants including international medical graduates. Visa sponsorship is available for J-1 exchange visitor visas, making it accessible for fellows coming from various international backgrounds. As one of the sought-after programs for aspiring neonatologists, it is known to be competitive, but the program prides itself on being friendly towards DO and IMG candidates to cultivate a diverse educational environment 1.

Application Requirements

Prospective fellows must adhere to specific application requirements to ensure eligibility. Applications are processed exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the program does not accept paper applications. Each year, fellowship training commences in July, and candidates must comply with deadlines outlined by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). A thorough understanding of the program’s diversity and inclusion statements is also encouraged during the application process 5.

Life in the Upper Valley

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is located in the scenic Upper Connecticut River Valley, which provides a rich array of cultural and recreational activities. This vibrant community in New Hampshire and Vermont enhances the fellowship experience, providing a balance between rigorous training and quality of life 2.