Nationwide Children's Hospital/Ohio State University Program

The Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with The Ohio State University, is designed to prepare pediatricians for an academic career focusing on the specialized field of developmental behavioral pediatrics. The program, which began in 1984 and became ACGME-accredited in 2003, emphasizes state-of-the-art clinical care, research, teaching, and advocacy training.

The overarching goals of the fellowship program include training fellows in:

• Clinical Care: Providing evidence-based, family-centered care for developmental and behavioral conditions.
• Leadership: Preparing fellows for leadership roles in healthcare.
• Advocacy: Training for effective advocacy for affected children and families.
• Research: Developing skills in research and quality improvement to inform innovative care.
• Teaching: Educating healthcare providers and trainees to improve early identification and care for developmental conditions.
• Reducing Health Disparities: Providing culturally competent care to minimize health disparities.

Upon completion of the fellowship, participants will have fulfilled the training requirements for certification in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship spans three years, with a minimum of 12 months dedicated to clinical training and an equal duration for research. The program's timeline is adaptable according to individual interests and career aspirations. The first year includes significant clinical rotations, while fellows engage in research activities throughout the fellowship.

In addition, fellows participate in didactic instruction through lectures and case conferences, enhancing their understanding of behavioral and developmental conditions in various settings.

Clinical Experiences

Fellows partake in continuity clinic sessions, engaging in hands-on evaluation and management of diverse developmental and behavioral conditions. They learn to administer and interpret various standardized assessments essential for diagnosing conditions such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, among others. Conditions typically managed include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Depression
• Developmental delays and disabilities

The program's clinics such as the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic and the Child Development Center offer opportunities for comprehensive evaluations and interdisciplinary collaboration among various medical professionals.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic curriculum is structured around core developmental behavioral pediatrics topics, including both foundational skills and advanced concepts. Key components of the curriculum encompass:

• DBP Bootcamp: A comprehensive series of lectures covering critical topics in developmental and behavioral pediatrics.
• Journal Club: Discussions led by fellows and faculty focusing on relevant literature.
• Interdisciplinary Conferences: Opportunities to engage with professionals from various disciplines, fostering a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary care.

Scholarly Activity

Research is integral to the fellowship. Each fellow completes a scholarly project, engaging in critical exploration of relevant topics in pediatrics. The program supports research endeavors within areas such as clinical biomedicine, health services, and public policy, ensuring that each fellow contributes to impactful research during their training.

Application & Selection Process

Applicants to the fellowship must register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and follow the application procedures via ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). The selection process requires submission of necessary documents, including three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and a personal statement. Applicants holding international medical degrees must meet specific visa requirements, primarily requiring a J-1 visa sponsored by the program.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship at Nationwide Children's is highly competitive. The program welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), demonstrating a commitment to a diverse cohort of fellows.

Visa sponsorship for foreign medical graduates is primarily available for the J-1 visa, which necessitates prior approval from the designated institutional official and the program director.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are considered employees of Nationwide Children's Hospital and are entitled to the same benefits offered to all full-time staff members, which include comprehensive health insurance, paid leave, and opportunities for professional development.