McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is a robust program designed to cultivate leaders in the field of pediatric endocrinology. The program, situated at the state-of-the-art Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, has been ACGME-accredited since 1994 and accepts one fellow annually for a comprehensive training duration of 36 months.

The mission of the fellowship is to prepare trainees for careers in various avenues of pediatric endocrine disease expertise, including academic roles, public health, advocacy, and industry positions, ensuring they achieve clinical and academic excellence throughout their training 1.

Curriculum

The educational curriculum of the fellowship incorporates extensive didactic teaching sessions, including journal clubs, chapter reviews, and interdisciplinary conferences. Key educational activities involve quarterly DSD conferences, tumor boards, FIRM conferences, M&M, and Grand Rounds. These components aim to complement clinical experiences while fostering a culture of lifelong learning among fellows 1.

Fellows can also benefit from additional educational opportunities provided through Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. This includes access to various certificate and degree programs that facilitate broader knowledge and skills development in pediatric endocrinology.

Clinical Experience

The clinical training is comprehensive, covering all aspects of pediatric endocrinology. In the first year, fellows manage general outpatient endocrine clinics twice weekly, engage in inpatient care for 26 weeks, and take night and weekend calls to ensure extensive hands-on experience. This structure teaches fellows how to deliver exceptional care while allowing them to practice evidence-based medicine and build lifelong learning skills 1.

In subsequent years, fellows will participate in continuity clinics and attend diabetes clinics at outreach sites, with additional inpatient service exposure to prepare for their transition to attending physician roles 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship provides a substantial scholarly experience with opportunities to engage in basic science or clinical research, quality improvement, and advocacy research. Trainees are guided through grant applications and manuscript writing, fostering their progression toward impactful research contributions within pediatric endocrinology 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine emphasizes diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to foster a supportive environment for underrepresented groups. The program encourages a diverse cohort of fellows, all committed to achieving personal and professional goals and contributing to a richer learning experience for everyone involved 1.

Requirements and Application Process

Applicants must have completed an accredited pediatric residency program before entering the fellowship. They are required to be board-certified or board-eligible for the American Board of Pediatrics. International Medical Graduates are welcome but must provide a valid ECFMG certificate and proof of U.S. citizenship or a valid green card or visa 1.

The application process begins through the online Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with essential documents including a current CV, personal statement, medical school transcript, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and letters of recommendation. Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications early, as interviews commence shortly after application reviews begin 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. It supports various visa types in accordance with Northwestern McGaw Medical Center requirements, allowing for a smoother transition into the fellowship program for those from diverse backgrounds seeking to train in pediatric endocrinology 1.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship program is known to be competitive but remains welcoming to diverse applicant profiles, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. This inclusivity is complemented by the program's commitment to fostering a diverse trainee environment which enriches the fellowship experience 1.

Current and Past Fellows

The program is enriched by the experiences of current fellows who come from varying educational backgrounds, contributing to a dynamic training environment. For example, current fellows have training histories that span prestigious institutions and diverse medical schools. Past fellows have progressed to notable positions within academic institutions, further reflecting the program's commitment to excellence 2.