National Capital Consortium Program

The National Capital Consortium Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship is a unique three-year Tri-Service training program located at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD. This fellowship is the only military-affiliated Pediatric Endocrinology training program, offering fellows experience at multiple prestigious institutions including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Children’s National Hospital. The program emphasizes developing clinician-educators and preparing military officers for the intricacies of medical practice within the Military Health System (MHS) 1.

Program Structure and Philosophy

The main mission of the program is to cultivate highly capable, well-rounded clinicians who are not only proficient in pediatric endocrinology but also adept at educating future healthcare providers. These goals encompass clinical competence, healthcare practices, scholarly activity, quality improvement, and military leadership training. The program aims to ensure that graduates are positioned as subject matter experts and innovative leaders in military medicine 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum consists of a blend of clinical and research duties, structured across the three years of fellowship training. Fellows spend a significant amount of time at WRNMMC, while also rotating through other institutions, enabling them to gain diverse experiences. The academic schedule includes weekly conferences, participation in various didactic sessions, and engagement in core lectures designed to enhance clinical knowledge and skills. Clinical responsibilities typically peak in the first year and gradually reduce in subsequent years 1.

Fellows are expected to partake in collaborative research efforts, with three months of dedicated research time available in the second or third year. Research opportunities span across clinical investigations, quality improvement projects, and educational curriculum development 1.

Training Sites and Rotations

Key training sites for the fellowship include WRNMMC, NIH, and Children's National Hospital. Additionally, fellows may select elective rotations tailored to their interests, which can include Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Nutrition, or Multi-Disciplinary Specialty Clinics. This flexibility in rotation selection promotes personalized learning and skills development 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive and geared toward cultivating strong candidates from various medical backgrounds, including those with DO or IMG credentials. There are special application requirements, including evidence of completion of pediatric residency programs and concurrent graduate training such as an MPH degree being allowed. However, there are no categorical year requirements, and all residents and medical students interested in pediatric endocrinology can seek rotations to enhance their application profile 1.

Visa and Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, and applicants may be sponsored under various visa categories commonly utilized for clinical training, such as J-1 or H-1B visas. This support is essential for international candidates seeking fellowship placement 1.

Research and Scholarly Growth

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities throughout their training period and to present their findings at significant national conferences. The program provides structured mentorship and oversight, focusing on evidence-based medicine and the design of scholarly projects. Each fellow is expected to not only complete a quality improvement project but also participate actively in patient safety initiatives during their tenure 1.

Educational and Teaching Opportunities

During clinical rotations, fellows hold teaching responsibilities, leading resident and medical student training activities. These include case discussions and formal lectures as part of the pediatric wards’ educational curriculum. Fellows are positioned as the primary educators within the team, allowing them to enhance their leadership and teaching skills 1.

Well-Being and Support Services

The fellowship prioritizes well-being by promoting a healthy lifestyle through the Performance Triad initiative, which focuses on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. The program conducts regular check-ins to ensure fellows are supported academically and personally, helping foster a thriving training environment 1.

This fellowship aims not only to develop competent pediatric endocrinologists but also resilient leaders capable of navigating the unique landscape of military medicine, preparing its graduates for a life of service and clinical excellence.