Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science/Phoenix Children's Hospital (Phoenix) Program

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in conjunction with Phoenix Children's Hospital is a comprehensive two-year program designed for individuals who aspire to specialize in pediatric surgery. This fellowship takes place primarily at Phoenix Children's Hospital, an institution dedicated to serving the surgical needs of children, and is supported by the robust educational infrastructure of Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

The program emphasizes academic enrichment and research alongside clinical training, ensuring fellows leave with the necessary skills and experience that will make them competitive in the job market after graduation.

Program Overview

Structured as a two-year training opportunity, the fellowship consists of one fellow per academic year, allowing for an intensive and personalized educational experience. The fellowship began in 2017, reflecting a commitment to cultivating the next generation of pediatric surgeons in Arizona.

Fellows are expected to gain a thorough mastery of the basic and advanced care of pediatric surgical patients, ultimately influencing their ability to practice independently upon program completion. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which assures its adherence to high standards in surgical education.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship incorporates both supervised clinical practice and educational opportunities. In the first year, fellows will spend a significant portion of their time—at least nine months—on the pediatric surgery service, coupled with rotations in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as in urology.

This diverse rotation schedule is tailored to provide exposure to various subspecialties, allowing fellows to round on related services such as gastroenterology, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery. By spending time in these areas, fellows gain a broader perspective on pediatric care and enhance their technical skills with procedures that may seldom be performed on the pediatric surgery service.

The second year of fellowship further develops these skills, as fellows take on the role of chief fellow, responsible for leading the pediatric surgery team, and coordinating educational sessions and conferences. This year is crucial for honing leadership abilities and establishing a firm foundation for independent practice.

Application Process

Applications for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship are accepted annually, and the selection is competitive with only one position available each year. Candidates are required to hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent degree and must have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency program. Additionally, candidates must be eligible to sit for the General Surgery Qualifying Examination.

The application process involves utilizing the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to submit all required documentation. Furthermore, candidates must also register with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), with interviews conducted at Phoenix Children's Hospital for those shortlisted.

Visa Sponsorship

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic offers visa support, accommodating international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is able to sponsor J-1 visas, which are a common choice for foreign medical graduates pursuing training in graduate medical education in the United States. This ensures that the fellowship is accessible to a diverse range of candidates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is highly competitive and seeks individuals who are exemplary in their academic and professional achievements. Candidates with strong performance in prior surgical training and demonstrated interest in pediatric surgery are strongly preferred. The program is considered IMG-friendly and welcomes applications from osteopathic candidates, thus promoting inclusivity for a broad range of medical graduates.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in collaboration with Phoenix Children's Hospital represents a unique opportunity for those looking to pursue a career in pediatric surgery. With its comprehensive curriculum, competitive selection process, and robust support for international applicants, this program equips fellows with the skills and experiences necessary for future success in the field.