Nemours Children's Hospital Program

The Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida, is a comprehensive three-year ACGME-accredited program designed for graduates of pediatric medicine residencies. The program is situated in a state-of-the-art, freestanding tertiary care facility dedicated exclusively to pediatric care, with a capacity of 135 inpatient beds that serve vulnerable children from birth to 18 years. The hospital is part of a nonprofit organization, funded by the Nemours Foundation, which is known for its commitment to improving children's health.

The fellowship offers immersive training and is integrated with the core pediatric residency program, allowing pediatric pulmonology fellows to participate actively in multidisciplinary care. The fellowship's environment is enhanced by a robust faculty dedicated to clinical excellence, compassion, and professionalism, and they play a crucial role in fostering scholarly pursuits among trainees 1.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship is to educate and train compassionate pediatric pulmonologists who are skilled in addressing the complex medical needs of children. The program emphasizes advocacy for children's social and emotional needs while equipping fellows with the clinical and scientific knowledge necessary for successful careers in academic, research, or clinical pediatric pulmonary medicine. The program aims to:

• Recruit highly qualified pediatricians who value diversity and inclusion.
• Enhance critical thinking through an evidence-based educational framework.
• Provide comprehensive training focused on pediatric pulmonary medicine.
• Supervise and support fellows in achieving their professional ambitions.
• Integrate education regarding the social determinants of children's health into clinical practice.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship's curriculum is structured to meet ACGME requirements while allowing for individualized training based on specific career goals. The core clinical rotations include:

• Pediatric Pulmonary Inpatient Service: 52 weeks focused on managing hospitalized patients with pulmonary issues, including participation in continuity clinics and diagnostic procedures such as flexible bronchoscopies.
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: 4 weeks dedicated to the management of acute and chronic respiratory failures, encompassing mechanical ventilation and airway clearance strategies.
• Pediatric Pulmonary Ambulatory Rotation: 20 weeks in specialty clinics, addressing conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, alongside other subspecialties like sleep medicine and pulmonary hypertension.
• Individualized Curriculum: 8 weeks that provide fellows the flexibility to explore subspecialty interests, including Neonatal Intensive Care, Allergy, Immunology, Radiology, and Infectious Diseases.

Research and Academic Development

A significant component of the fellowship is the commitment to scholarly activity. Fellows are required to dedicate 60 weeks to research, developing skills in project management, presentation, and publication. The program encourages fellows to present their work at national meetings and publish manuscripts, ensuring they gain substantial academic experience during their fellowship 1.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive salary structure, with stipends that increase annually:

• PGY 4: $78,837.02
• PGY 5: $81,552.83
• PGY 6: $84,273.88

In addition to a salary, fellows receive various benefits including an educational stipend, research funds, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, malpractice insurance, and six weeks of paid parental leave. The hospital promotes a healthy work-life balance with access to fitness facilities and parking 1.

Living in Orlando

Located in Orlando's Lake Nona Medical City, the hospital provides access to a vibrant community with numerous amenities. Residents can enjoy a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Orlando is a notable hub for culture and arts, featuring theaters and a lively sports scene. Moreover, the absence of state income tax in Florida is a financial benefit for fellows living in the area.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The fellowship program provides visa support for qualified applicants, facilitating the J-1 visa for international medical graduates. The application process is competitive; candidates must submit a complete ERAS application, including a curriculum vitae, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. Notably, there are no specified limits on failed exams, making the program accessible for a broad range of applicants 1.