Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

Overview of the Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a prestigious, three-year program accredited by the ACGME. It is part of the Child Advocacy and Protection Services (CAPS) program, which has earned recognition as one of the leading academic child abuse programs in the United States. The CAPS program aims to equip fellows with comprehensive training through a collaborative approach encompassing clinical care, education, research, and advocacy in child welfare.

Fellows will benefit from extensive exposure to a diverse range of clinical experiences, rotating through hospital-based programs, outpatient Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), and various subspecialty services, thereby ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. The program’s broad spectrum promotes deep learning and expertise in evaluating child maltreatment cases.

Clinical Training Environment

The fellowship provides a dynamic and progressive training environment, emphasizing rigorous instruction in quality improvement, clinical scholarship, and collaborative patient care practices. Fellows will gain skills to effectively advocate for medical and psychosocial needs on a multidisciplinary team. The CAPS team comprises five board-certified Child Abuse Pediatricians, advanced practice providers, social workers, and mental health professionals, integrated to support the diverse clinical and educational activities necessary for effective child advocacy.

Curriculum Design

The curriculum includes various clinical rotations, providing fellows with extensive patient care experiences that cover multiple subspecialties. Specific rotations may include Mental Health, Trauma/Burn Services, and Forensic Pathology, among others. A key component of the training includes a half-day per week commitment at the Milwaukee Child Advocacy Center, where fellows engage in outpatient services.

Fellows will also be involved in regular didactic sessions known as the CAPS Didactic Series, which are crucial for board exam preparation. These sessions are updated frequently based on the latest guidelines from the American Board of Pediatrics, which helps in maintaining a high standard of education for fellows, evidenced by a 100% board pass rate.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to undertake a scholarly project during their training, dedicating fourteen months to complete it, with additional elective blocks allocated for research. Support for research activities is provided through collaborations with the Medical College of Wisconsin's Quantitative Health Sciences department, offering expertise in study design and statistical analysis. This allows fellows to engage deeply with relevant research topics impacting child welfare and advocacy.

Competitive Application Process

The fellowship accepts one fellow every three years, making the competition for admission significant. Applicants must have completed a U.S.-accredited residency and submit a complete application package via ERAS including letters of recommendation, medical school performance evaluations, and demonstrated proficiency in USMLE or COMLEX examinations. The program is open to both U.S. MD and DO graduates as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), with adherence to specific documentation and visa requirements.

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors several visa types for candidates needing them to train in the United States. Acceptable visa options include Permanent Resident Visas, Visitor Exchange Visas (J-1), and Temporary Professional Worker Visas (H-1B).

Work-Life Balance

Recognizing the emotional toll of Child Abuse Pediatrics, the program prioritizes work-life balance. Policies are in place to ensure fellows can thrive both personally and professionally. Fellows will find Milwaukee a conducive place for living, with its diverse communities and vibrant city life.

Living in Milwaukee

Milwaukee offers a rich cultural experience with access to arts, restaurant scenes, and numerous outdoor activities along Lake Michigan. The close-knit community coupled with professional sports and events makes it a great place for fellows and their families.

Support for Application and Interviews

As part of the application support process, the program reimburses fellows for travel and lodging costs incurred while interviewing for the fellowship.

Through a comprehensive exposure to the complexities of child maltreatment and a supportive training environment, the Child Abuse Pediatrics fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin prepares fellows to become leaders in the field of child advocacy and protection.