Nationwide Children's Hospital/Ohio State University Program

The Nationwide Children's Hospital/Ohio State University Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship is a three-year ACGME-accredited program that focuses on providing high-quality training in clinical care, research, and academic scholarship designed to prepare fellows for successful careers in academic neonatology. A commitment to educational excellence and diversity is a hallmark of the program, which aims to cultivate a workforce reflective of the community it serves 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is structured around clinical medicine, research, and career development with 13 four-week blocks that meet ACGME training requirements. Fellows have the flexibility to customize their training experiences, such as rotations in neonatal outpatient follow-up clinics and palliative care 4. The core curriculum is supported by department-wide initiatives that ensure fellows meet the American Board of Pediatrics' training requirements for pediatric subspecialties.

Training Rotations

Fellows engage in a myriad of clinical experiences including:

• Eleven blocks of NICU service with an average in-house call of one in six nights.
• Four weeks of perinatal medicine experience with the OSU Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department.
• Dedicated neonatal cardiology service time focusing on post-operative congenital heart disease.
• Rotations in neonatal follow-up clinics and a transport service over three years.

Fellowships also provide unique exposure to specialized services such as ECMO management and various quality improvement projects, which are integral to the training process 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue meaningful research aligned with their interests and are provided access to the resources at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute. A variety of research avenues exist, including clinical studies, basic science investigations, and quality improvement initiatives 7. Fellows have the opportunity to present their findings at national and regional conferences and may pursue master's degrees relevant to their research interests.

Quality Improvement Curriculum

A key component of the fellowship is the quality improvement component, which equips fellows with necessary skills for enhancing clinical practices. This aspect of training is essential not only for practical application but also for fulfilling Maintenance of Certification requirements by the American Board of Pediatrics 8.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Nationwide Children's Hospital NICU boasts 130 beds and is level IV accredited, catering to 1,000 admissions annually. The Ohio State University NICU is a Level III unit, servicing 4,500 deliveries each year 1. This collaboration provides fellows with comprehensive exposure to advanced neonatal care, including management of a diverse array of congenital conditions and neonatal complexities.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Equity in recruitment is prioritized, embracing a holistic review process in applicant selection. A commitment to supporting an inclusive training environment helps ensure that all fellows contribute to the program's objectives 2.

Visa Support

International graduates may apply to the program provided they hold a J1 visa, which requires approval from both the Designated Institutional Official and the fellowship program director. This ensures that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in this rigorous fellowship 5.

Competitiveness of the Program

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming applications from individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency training of three years 6. The program not only aims to attract a diverse applicant pool but also to recruit highly motivated candidates committed to neonatal care.

Application Requirements

Eligible applicants must fulfill specific criteria, such as completion of USMLE Parts 1, 2, and 3, along with a valid ECFMG certificate for international medical graduates. Applications are accepted exclusively through ERAS, and supporting documents required include personal statements, letters of recommendation, and transcripts 2.