National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium (NCC) Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine is a comprehensive military-program designed to train pediatricians in the field of Neonatology. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, this three-year program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers unique opportunities for professional growth within the Military Health System.

The program is tailored to accept applications from all branches of the military and plays a vital role in preparing fellows for the specific challenges and responsibilities they will face as military officers and healthcare providers. Training consists of didactic and experiential learning aimed at developing competency in clinical practice, research, and administrative duties related to neonatal-perinatal care 1.

Curriculum Overview

The NCC fellowship curriculum includes weekly formal didactics that are held every Thursday from 1 PM to 4 PM. The curriculum follows a two-year cycle, covering essential topics such as board review, in-depth clinical discussions, physiology sessions, morbidity and mortality conferences, and current research updates. Monthly Journal Club meetings allow fellows to engage critically with current literature, presenting and analyzing articles relevant to neonatal-perinatal medicine 1.

Fellows participate in various case conferences and clinical rounds that focus on management strategies for neonates in acute care environments. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to attend numerous conferences offered by the Department of Pediatrics and USUHS, further expanding their clinical knowledge and skills 1.

Research and Scholarly Development

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship experience. Every fellow is expected to complete a scholarly project with support from a Scholarly Oversight Committee, ensuring sufficient progress towards their research goals. Research endeavors can range from basic lab research to clinical and educational curriculum development 1. Participation in conferences and presentations at national and regional meetings is encouraged, with opportunities for professional growth through faculty development sessions available.

Clinical Rotations and Call Schedule

Fellows rotate through multiple clinical sites, including the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other affiliated hospitals. The program's structure allows for in-house NICU call, with first-year fellows typically averaging six calls within a 28-day rotation, while second and third-year fellows average five calls 1. The program emphasizes the importance of balancing clinical responsibilities with educational opportunities.

Mentorship and Faculty Support

Each fellow selects a minimum of three mentors—clinical, research, and military mentors—who are essential for personal and professional development during the fellowship. All faculty members are board-certified neonatologists, ensuring fellows have access to experienced practitioners for guidance and support throughout their training 1.

Special Features

The NCC Fellowship aims to foster well-rounded clinician-educators by incorporating training exercises such as simulator sessions that utilize high-fidelity mannequins, as well as the Military Medical Humanitarian Assistance Course. Fellows also engage in quality improvement projects and participate in essential military education courses throughout their fellowship 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified candidates, including J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring support for international medical graduates wishing to pursue this opportunity. To be eligible, candidates must possess graduated credentials and meet the program's specific application requirements, which may include limits on prior STEP exam failures and current year of graduation. The fellowship welcomes applications from both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), fostering a diverse learning environment 1.

Competitiveness and Selection

The selection process for the NCC Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine is competitive, reflecting the high caliber of training provided. The program is purposefully designed to attract individuals who are both clinically proficient and demonstrate a commitment to military service. The successful completion of a pediatric residency and strong recommendations are essential components of a competitive application 1.