Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport (LSUHS) offers a highly specialized training experience for individuals seeking to become experts in the care of newborns, particularly those who are vulnerable due to prematurity or complex medical conditions. This fellowship program is ACGME accredited and accommodates six fellows over three years, with two positions available each year. The primary training site is located at Ochsner LSU Health St. Mary Medical Center, which features a newly renovated 40-bed level 3-B NICU, providing a comprehensive setting for hands-on training in all areas of neonatal medicine.

The curriculum includes extensive training in critical neonatal areas, such as delivery room management, care of extremely preterm infants, various modes of neonatal ventilation, and non-invasive ventilation. Fellows will also gain experience in managing neonates with surgical conditions and those requiring multimodal support from pediatric subspecialists. The program emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship, requiring fellows to provide supervision and training for pediatrics residents who rotate through the NICU 1.

Research Opportunities

A central component of the fellowship is the commitment to research. Fellows are expected to choose and undertake research pathways in clinical, translational, or basic science research related to neonatology. By the end of the first year, each fellow must select a research mentor and finalize a research question with the assistance of biostatisticians. The research experience is designed to provide comprehensive exposure to the academic facets of neonatal-perinatal medicine, culminating in the presentation of research findings at conferences and submission to medical journals during the third year. Diverse research opportunities exist in areas such as neonatal ventilation, nutritional practices, and the bioethics of animal experimentation 2.

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is structured to ensure mastery of clinical skills, medical knowledge, and the development of professionalism. Fellows progress through three years, each year building on the previous one. In the first year, fellows learn how to manage critically ill neonates, including mastering resuscitation techniques and common procedures such as endotracheal intubation and catheter placement. By year two, fellows assume more responsibility, participating actively in clinical decision-making and team management alongside NNPs and residents. The third year emphasizes leadership skills, allowing fellows to lead clinical teams and serve as role models for junior residents and students 3.

Goals and Objectives

The fellowship program is designed to cultivate skilled, evidence-based practitioners in neonatal medicine. Key goals include enhancing clinical care quality, fostering professional development, and nurturing research capabilities. The objectives define a structured approach towards developing essential skills—managing diverse clinical situations, honing communication and interpersonal skills, and understanding the ethical dimensions of pediatric care 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, facilitating the participation of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. The competitiveness of the program is significant, reflecting both its robust educational structure and its commitment to producing exemplary clinicians. The fellowship is open to both U.S. graduates and those with international backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, thereby fostering a diverse educational environment.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants should be aware that the program has specific application criteria, including an emphasis on relevant training experiences and any application requirements related to the year of graduation. Moreover, candidates must have completed their prerequisites and not exceeded the maximum allowable number of failed STEP examinations. These requirements ensure that all fellows are adequately prepared for the rigors of training in the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship.