Nationwide Children's Hospital/Ohio State University Program

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, in collaboration with The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship program specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics. This program is designed for physicians aspiring to pursue an academic career in the field of child abuse pediatrics. Established in 2004, the fellowship provides extensive training encompassing all facets of child maltreatment, including a medical home for children in out-of-home care and evidence-based treatment through on-site trauma-focused programs.

Fellows will develop vital skills in understanding family violence dynamics and will gain exposure to child advocacy efforts. The clinical training encompasses a wide range of experiences, focusing on the evaluation and management of child maltreatment cases, ensuring fellows are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of this subspecialty.

Clinical Training and Experience

The fellowship includes diverse clinical training opportunities at multiple sites, working with various child protection systems and participating in mental health assessments. Notable components of the clinical training experience include participation in:

• A multi-disciplinary inpatient consult review team
• The county child fatality review team
• Forensic pathology
• Pediatric emergency medicine
• Trauma-focused treatment programs

Fellows will also receive training in court testimony to support the prosecution of child maltreatment cases, ensuring they are equipped to serve as responsible expert witnesses in legal settings.

Research and Advocacy Opportunities

Research and advocacy play a crucial role in the fellowship. Fellows will have opportunities to engage in scholarly research, quality improvement initiatives, and educational efforts aimed at advancing the field of Child Abuse Pediatrics. They are encouraged to actively participate in research education and training through the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, recognized as a leading pediatric research center.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship offers pathways for formal coursework in research methodology or public health at The Ohio State University, allowing fellows to broaden their academic credentials. Educational opportunities also include access to core lecture series, journal clubs, and attendance at national scientific meetings, providing a comprehensive learning environment.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum comprises 13 four-week block rotations, primarily anchored at The Center for Family Safety and Healing, which provides both outpatient and inpatient clinical experiences. The first year focuses on gradually building competency in the assessment of maltreated children, with increasing responsibility in inpatient consults as fellows advance.

Moreover, research rotations are specifically designed to allow concentrated time for developing and implementing research projects, particularly in preparation for national presentations.

Electives and Specialization

Fellows will complete required electives focused on Emergency Medicine and Forensic Pathology during their first year, providing critical experiences in evaluating trauma and understanding forensic processes. In subsequent years, fellows can choose from various optional electives based on personal interests and availability, subject to program director approval.

Application Requirements

The fellowship is open to physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency and are eligible to take the American Board of Pediatrics certification exam. The application process involves submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and includes a detailed personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts outlining the applicant's academic achievements.

International medical graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate and adhere to visa requirements as per Nationwide Children’s policy. The program sponsors J1 visas, requiring additional approval from the designated institutional official.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at Nationwide Children's Hospital is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, promoting diversity among its fellows. The competitiveness of the application process is balanced with a commitment to nurturing candidates from various backgrounds, including those who are international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs).

Benefits and Support

Fellowship benefits align with those provided to other full-time staff at the hospital, ensuring fellows receive competitive support during their training period.