Medical College of Georgia Program

Overview of the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is designed to provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary educational program intended to train pediatricians in becoming skilled critical care clinicians, educators, and researchers. This ACGME-accredited program spans three years, catering to board-eligible or certified physicians in Pediatrics or Medicine-Pediatrics.

With a dual focus, the program emphasizes not only clinical exposure that allows fellows to gain expertise in managing critically ill children but also significant training in basic science, clinical, and translational research. This foundational research experience is critical for fostering independent research careers and enhancing intellectual curiosity and creativity among participants.

Schedule and Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured over 36 months and includes a variety of experiences aimed at developing both clinical acumen and research skills:

• 1 month of anesthesia
• 19 to 20 months of pediatric critical care clinical service
• 12 months dedicated to research, free of call obligations
• 3 months focusing on sedation
• 2 weeks allocated for electives
• 3 weeks of vacation per academic year

This arrangement allows fellows to immerse themselves in hands-on clinical work while still allocating significant time for research endeavors.

Clinical Experience

All clinical activities related to the PCCM Fellowship take place in the Children’s Hospital of Georgia at Augusta University. This facility spans 220,000 square feet and houses a 149-bed capacity, including a 14-bed combined medical-surgical PICU and cardiovascular ICU, as well as a 6-bed pediatric intermediate care unit. This diverse clinical environment provides fellows with invaluable exposure to a wide variety of pediatric cases, enhancing their clinical skills in critical care.

Research Experience

The research component of the fellowship is well-integrated with existing programs at Augusta University. The fellowship may offer protected time and resources for those interested in pursuing certifications in Clinical and Translational Science or a Masters in Public Health. Collaborations with lab-based and clinical scientists at Augusta University are encouraged, promoting research in basic science, translational, or clinical fields. Special institutions like the Georgia Prevention Institute (GPI) and the Vascular Biology Center are available to facilitate these pursuits.

Didactic Schedule

Fellows participate in protected didactic sessions every Wednesday from 1 PM to 4 PM, which cover essential concepts pertinent to critical care, patient management, and research methodologies. These sessions are complemented by various additional educational activities occurring throughout the year, such as:

• Weekly: Review of Roger's Textbook of Pediatric Critical Care, Cardiac Cath Conferences, and Patient Care Conferences
• Monthly: PICU Morbidity and Mortality discussions, Designing Clinical Research Curriculum, Ultrasound training
• Quarterly: Journal Clubs, Radiology Rounds, and Quality Improvement Curriculum

This robust educational framework ensures that fellows receive a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience focused on critical care.

Application Process

Applications for the traditional three-year PCCM Fellowship must be submitted through the AAMC's Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program only accepts applicants with J1 visa status. Candidates for the fellowship must fulfill several minimum requirements, including:

• Being ABP Board Eligible or Board Certified in Pediatrics
• Completion of the ERAS application
• Submission of three letters of recommendation
• Providing School of Medicine transcript
• Submitting USMLE/COMLEX transcripts for Steps 1-3
• Current ECFMG certification if applicable

This structured application process allows the program to select qualified candidates for the fellowship.

Salary Structure

The fellowship offers a competitive salary progression based on the level of postgraduate training:

• PGY 4: $64,399.00
• PGY 5: $67,452.00
• PGY 6: $70,221.00

This salary structure recognizes the increasing level of responsibility and expertise that fellows acquire throughout the program.

Competitiveness and Additional Information

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia is viewed as highly competitive. Applicants selected for interviews are generally distinguished by their accomplishments and preparation in the pediatric field.

Moreover, the program demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, thus supporting a diverse pool of fellows.