Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is an ACGME accredited two-year fellowship program focused on training the next generation of academic pediatric hospitalists. The program emphasizes robust clinical and research training within an innovative and supportive educational environment. Fellows are equipped to become experts in managing a wide array of acute and chronic pediatric conditions encountered in both tertiary and community settings. The training is designed to develop proficiency in essential skills and procedures, foster future leaders in hospital administration and quality-driven healthcare, and encourage independent scholarly investigation in areas such as quality improvement, medical education, patient safety, and health disparities research 1.

Fellows at Duke University Hospital will gain valuable experience caring for diverse patients, working alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes nutritionists, nurses, social workers, pathologists, radiologists, and various medical subspecialists. The Duke University Medical Center, the cornerstone of the program, is a nationally recognized academic platform known for its excellent clinical experiences and resources conducive to an academic career 1. As the fellows primarily train at Duke Children’s Hospital, which holds a consistent ranking among the best children’s hospitals in the United States, they will be involved in approximately 7,000 annual admissions across 198 inpatient beds, including specialized units 1.

Training Curriculum

The foundation of the fellowship is structured into three main categories: Core Rotations, Systems and Scholarship Training, and Individualized Curriculum. Fellows will undergo eight educational units in the Core Rotations, which include Inpatient Pediatrics, Complex Care, Newborn Nursery, Surgical Co-management, Palliative Care, and Sedation 1. Systems and Scholarship Training encompasses topics such as Improvement Science, Research, Interprofessional Education, Leadership, Business Administration, Patient Safety, and Advocacy. The Individualized Curriculum allows fellows to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas including Allergy/Immunology, Anesthesia, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, among others 1.

Clinical Experience

Fellows will be exposed to a wide spectrum of pediatric general and subspecialty inpatient care, given that Duke serves as a quaternary referral center. They will have rotations at community hospitals such as Mission Children’s Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Children’s Hospital, engaging in one-on-one training with pediatric intensivists and hospitalists. The program allows fellows to contribute to Pediatric Complex Care Service, focusing on care coordination for children with medical complexities 1.

Research Opportunities

A significant aspect of the fellowship is the focus on a scholarly project tailored to individual interests. The program supports fellows in selecting research topics, establishing mentorship teams, and refining their projects from the very beginning of their training 1. Each fellow is assigned a Scholarship Oversight Committee to assist in project progression, which convenes periodically for guidance and evaluation. This mentoring extends to career planning, helping fellows navigate the intricacies of securing faculty positions post-fellowship 1.

Application and Admission

The program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from individuals who have completed a pediatric residency in the U.S. or Canada. The application process is facilitated through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and all applications are considered irrespective of race, religion, gender, or country of origin. Specific application requirements may include eligibility criteria related to the year of graduation and prior examination performance 4.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), with sponsorship typically available for J-1 visas. Such visa types enable IMGs to participate effectively in the training environment while meeting the program's educational objectives.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Further enhancing the fellowship's appeal, Duke offers numerous programs and seminars aimed at honing critical skills beyond scientific training—such as grant writing and medical education. Fellows are encouraged to participate in various initiatives that promote equity and inclusion, and they can access additional resources geared toward career transition and continued mentorship 1. Furthermore, the program fosters engagement with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape 1.