Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship program provides extensive clinical subspecialty training at Indiana’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, Riley Hospital for Children. The fellowship is a three-year ACGME accredited program designed for pediatricians seeking specialized training in the field of child abuse pediatrics. The program consists of five full-time and one part-time faculty physicians, all of whom are board-certified child abuse pediatricians. In addition to the faculty, the division includes pediatric nurse practitioners, social workers, registered nurses, and research staff, creating a multidisciplinary team approach that enhances the fellowship experience.

The IU Child Protection Program (CPP), established in 1985, offers consultation services regarding child maltreatment. Its mission is to improve care and coordination for children suspected of abuse or neglect, while ensuring objective, evidence-based clinical evaluations are performed. The collaboration among various disciplines involved in child protection is a key component of CPP's efforts to advance health equity.

Program Aims

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship aims to train pediatricians to:

• Become excellent clinicians, educators, and scholars in child abuse pediatrics.
• Work collaboratively with professionals in other disciplines.
• Qualify for child abuse pediatrics subspecialty certification by the American Board of Pediatrics.
• Become recognized experts and community leaders in child abuse pediatrics.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is laid out across various rotations, workshops, and elective opportunities. The primary components of the curriculum include:

• Child Protection Team Consult Service: 6 months in the first year, with time decreasing to 4 months in the following years.
• Research: 3-5 months per year focused on collaborative scholarly activities and completion of core graduate courses.
• Electives and Community Rotations: Opportunities available to emphasize clinical exposure and community engagement.
• Ongoing Activities: Weekly clinic sessions, case review meetings, and participation in multidisciplinary forums.

Research activities include clinical research methods and biostatistics, allowing fellows to engage in projects relevant to child maltreatment, including racial disparities in health outcomes in pediatric populations.

Facilities and Resources

Riley Hospital for Children is a premier facility providing comprehensive services tailored to pediatric patients. As the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Indiana, it serves a diverse array of clinical conditions, allowing fellows exposure to both inflicted and accidental injuries. The hospital's emergency department is equipped with sexual assault examination rooms and utilizes advanced photographic equipment to document findings, facilitating successful legal outcomes when necessary.

Fellows will frequently interact with the medical-legal system, potentially providing expert testimony in court, which is an essential component of pediatric practice in cases of suspected abuse. The fellowship also engages in national collaborations, such as the Project Echo Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship Curriculum, to enhance educational outreach.

Diversity Efforts

The IU School of Medicine emphasizes a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with programs designed to support underrepresented minorities in medicine. The Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Residency program provides specific opportunities for residents from minoritized backgrounds to engage in pediatric experiences related to child abuse.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship must meet specific criteria, including:

• Graduation from accredited U.S. medical schools or hold a valid ECFMG certificate for international graduates.
• Successful completion of a three-year U.S. residency in general pediatrics.
• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or a J-1 visa.
• Submission of a personal statement, CV, USMLE or COMLEX transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and follows all associated policies.

Support and Visa Information

The program offers visa sponsorship options for J-1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) who seek to participate in this specialized training. This inclusion creates a more globally diverse educational environment, enriching the fellowship experience.