Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and Children’s Wisconsin is committed to training the next generation of pediatric intensivists through a robust curriculum designed to foster both clinical acumen and research skills. The program encompasses a 36-month fellowship that integrates 16 months of clinical work with 20 months dedicated to research activities, allowing fellows to gain invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to academic advancements in pediatric critical care.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship begins with a highly clinical first year, divided into 2- and 3-week blocks, wherein fellows are immersed in various intensive care settings. First-year fellows are required to complete essential certifications, such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and participate in national simulation boot camps specially designed for pediatric critical care.

In the second and third years, the clinical workload transitions to 1-2 week blocks, maximizing time for scholarly projects and individualized career development. Second-year fellows benefit significantly from attending a Clinical Research Course at the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Conference. The third year culminates with another simulation boot camp aimed at senior fellows, emphasizing preparation for independent practice.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows primarily train at Children’s Wisconsin, which operates a large 69-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) that manages around 2,000 admissions yearly. Clinical rotations in the first year include:

• PICU – 26-28 weeks
• Anesthesiology – 6 weeks
• Research – 12-14 weeks
• Transport – 2 weeks

During the second and third years, clinical work continues but allows for substantial research involvement and optional electives, including neurocritical care and palliative care.

Research Opportunities

Each fellow is expected to engage in a robust research project, supported by a primary mentor in their area of interest. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and provides structured scholarly meetings conducive to sharing ideas and progress.

Fellows are evaluated regularly, utilizing a framework based on the American Board of Pediatrics recommended Milestones and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). These assessments help tailor the educational experience to each individual's development.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship values mentorship as a critical component of training. Faculty mentors, who have navigated similar paths, provide personalized guidance tailored to each fellow’s needs. The various committees within the fellowship foster additional growth opportunities through involvement in quality improvement initiatives and program development.

The curriculum also features a weekly conference series that encompasses critical care-specific topics such as ethics, patient safety, and quality improvement, ensuring fellows stay abreast of the latest advancements in pediatric critical care.

Living and Training in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, known for its rich cultural offerings, also provides an inviting environment for fellows to live and thrive. The city offers a range of recreational activities, local festivals, and a vibrant community spirit. Fellow housing options include popular neighborhoods like Brewer's Hill and the Historic Third Ward, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle during fellowship training.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program is open to applications from both MD and DO candidates who have completed a US-accredited residency program. Visa sponsorship is available for fellows requiring permanent resident status, J-1 visa, or H-1B visa categories. Applicants must submit core documents such as ERAS information, letters of reference—including a program director's letter, a medical student performance evaluation, and their USMLE or COMLEX scores. All applications will be evaluated, with interviews typically held between July and October each year.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at MCW is known for being competitive, and a diverse applicant pool is welcomed, including those from international medical schools and osteopathic backgrounds.