Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine provides trainees with an extensive and rigorous education in the field of pediatric critical care. This three-year training program prepares fellows to manage a wide range of pediatric critical care illnesses and develop skills in both clinical and research settings.

Clinical Training

The fellowship program is structured into approximately 20 months of clinical training and 16 months dedicated to research over the course of three years. The clinical curriculum is designed to provide fellows with comprehensive exposure to the pediatric critical care environment, primarily at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, which is a prestigious free-standing children's hospital. This institution operates as the only pediatric Level 1 trauma center in Georgia and is well-known for its advanced pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and organ transplant programs.3

During the first year of training, clinical responsibilities are emphasized, allowing more flexibility in the second and third years for research and other specialized training experiences. Clinical rotations encompass a range of environments including a 36-bed medical-surgical PICU and a 32-bed cardiac ICU, where fellows also participate in rotations through anesthesia, transport medicine, and various electives. Each fellow generally engages in 2-5 weeks of off-service clinical rotations each year.3

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship program, with dedicated time for fellows to engage in significant projects. Each fellow is encouraged to develop a primary research project during their first year, with strong mentorship provided throughout the training. The program emphasizes a hands-on learning approach and encourages fellows to present their findings at national meetings and conferences. Areas of ongoing investigation within the division include both basic and translational research, as well as collaboration in innovative engineering projects through partnerships with the Georgia Institute of Technology.5

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to quality care, having one of the largest pediatric transport teams in the U.S., managing over 4,000 transports annually. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit features single-occupancy rooms with advanced technological integration, offering comprehensive support for organ failure treatments including ECMO and continuous renal replacement therapy.1

Additionally, the fellowship promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to train the next generation of academic leaders in pediatric critical care medicine. Fellowships are open to candidates from various backgrounds without discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender identity, or other factors.2

Application Requirements

Candidates interested in applying for the fellowship must submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for positions offered within the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Pediatric Subspecialties match. There are no explicit restrictions listed regarding prior residency training or qualifications, making the program accessible to a diverse pool of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds.2

Visa Support

The Emory Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship can sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates seeking to apply for this competitive postgraduate training. This helps maintain a diverse cohort of fellows, which enriches the educational environment for all trainees involved.2

Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, attracting numerous candidates from various backgrounds. However, efforts are made to be inclusive, ensuring that applicants from around the world are provided equitable opportunities.4

Fellowship Curriculum

Fellows engage in an extensive didactic curriculum focused on critical care topics. They participate in regular conferences, simulation exercises, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The educational framework includes a combination of core series in physiology and morbidity/mortality discussions, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning among fellows and faculty.5

Fellows are also encouraged to participate in specialized tracks within the broader Emory Graduate Medical Education system that focus on areas such as quality improvement, healthcare management, and ethics, providing them with a comprehensive educational experience that prepares them for leadership roles in medicine.6

Team and Mentorship

The fellowship boasts a diverse team of faculty and mentor specialists committed to the professional development of each fellow. This includes available advanced practice providers who are integral to the critical care team.8

Alumni Network

Emory's fellowship program has a robust network of successful alumni who occupy influential positions in pediatric critical care medicine across the country, reflecting the program's success in preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.7