Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited one-year post-residency program designed to provide comprehensive training in pediatric anesthesiology. This program emphasizes various aspects of anesthesia specifically tailored for neonates, infants, children, and adolescents, encompassing a wide spectrum of surgical subspecialty procedures including those in cardiac, neurologic, and transplantation surgery.

The primary training site is Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana's only hospital exclusively dedicated to pediatric care, where fellows will gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern technology. The hospital is renowned for its high patient acuity level, performing over 20,000 anesthetic procedures annually, which includes complex surgical cases that greatly enhance the educational experience of fellows 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum combines supervised clinical training with a robust didactic program. Weekly lectures presented by the anesthesiology faculty focus on critical topics ranging from pediatric physiology to the management of congenital cardiac lesions. Additionally, fellows participate in morbidity and mortality sessions, journal clubs, and division grand rounds, all of which are integral to their professional development 1.

Operating Facilities

Fellows experience a diverse range of clinical settings, including a three-pod pre/post-anesthesia area, various operating rooms, and specialized facilities such as Interventional Radiology suites and Cardiac Catheterization laboratories within Riley Hospital. The expansive environment of Riley Hospital offers the necessary resources for a rich and varied learning experience 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are also encouraged to engage in research activities as part of their training. Each fellow is expected to contribute to a mandatory research component, and additional research opportunities are available through collaborative projects and ongoing studies at IU School of Medicine 2.

Work Schedule and Benefits

The work schedule includes clinical responsibilities during weekdays, supplemented by a call schedule that allows fellows to gain experience in after-hours situations. When on call, fellows manage cases on weekends and have the day off following a call. Compensation and benefits are competitive, aligning with the PGY-5 resident level, and include health insurance and vacation days, as well as financial support for educational conferences and research 1.

Application Information

Applications for the fellowship are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates should refer to the application guidelines provided by the Office of Graduate Medical Education for detailed admission requirements, which typically include completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency prior to application 2.

Visa Support

The program provides sponsorship for various visa types, facilitating the enrollment of international medical graduates and ensuring that fellows can adhere to all immigration requirements without disruption to their training experience. Potential visa categories include J-1 and H-1B, among others, which are essential for international candidates seeking fellowship opportunities in the United States 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship is considered competitive, especially for international medical graduates (IMGs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs). While specific requirements regarding prior residency training or graduation year may vary, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant clinical experiences 2.