MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Fellowship Program in Neonatal—Perinatal Medicine is a fully accredited three-year fellowship aimed at training future leaders in neonatal-perinatal medicine. This fellowship meets the standards set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Academy of Pediatrics Subspecialty Board.

Program Overview

The fellowship is structured to accept two fellows each year, emphasizing three primary domains: professional competence in critical care for newborns, the ability to conduct clinical and basic science research, and excellence in teaching. This program uniquely combines clinical training, research opportunities, and teaching experiences to foster academic and clinical expertise.

Curriculum

The curriculum spans three years, with each year designed to build upon the previous training. The first year consists of approximately five months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), focusing on high-risk pregnancies, delivery room management, and the care of critically ill neonates.

Aside from clinical duties, first-year fellows are introduced to essential research methodologies. The second year reinforces clinical skills in the NICU and outpatient follow-up clinics while allowing for extensive research involvement. The final year dedicates significant time to research tailored to individual fellow interests and objectives, including opportunities to engage in projects with Georgetown University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health.

Training Locations

The fellowship training occurs at several prestigious facilities, including:

• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
• MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
• Children’s National Medical Center, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Washington, DC
• Sibley Memorial Hospital, Special Care Nursery, Washington, DC

Conferences and Lectures

The program includes a series of lectures and conferences designed to enhance the educational experience:

• Neonatology Boot Camp for foundational knowledge
• Annual ECMO Training Course for advanced management techniques
• Weekly conferences on morbidity and mortality, clinical management, and active research

Research Opportunities

Research is central to the fellowship, with division members actively participating in clinical and laboratory projects. Opportunities exist for collaboration with faculty across various specialties. The fellowship includes formal research methodology training to prepare fellows for a successful academic career, emphasizing the importance of presentations at national and international meetings.

Career Preparation

Fellows are encouraged to develop teaching skills and participate in departmental educational activities. Graduates are well-positioned for academic, clinical, or translational research careers. The comprehensive fellowship experience is designed to facilitate the growth of well-rounded practitioners ready to tackle the challenges of the field.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers full support for J-1 visas; however, it does not sponsor H-1 visas. This aspect is crucial for candidates needing assistance in relocating to the United States during their training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is considered moderately competitive, welcoming candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, including those who are international medical graduates. Specific application requirements include:

• Completion of a pediatric residency program
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation from the pediatric residency program director and faculty familiar with the candidate's work in the NICU

Furthermore, international graduates must provide an ECFMG certificate as part of their applications.

Salary and Benefits

Fellowship salaries and benefits align with the national standards for pediatric subspecialty fellows, including stipends for professional development and conference attendance.