Nicklaus Children's Hospital Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is designed for board-eligible or board-certified physicians who have successfully completed a residency in Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine. This three-year fellowship trains fellows to become outstanding clinical practitioners in pediatric emergency medicine while also preparing them for a career in academia. The program currently admits two fellows each year and is hosted at a prominent urban pediatric facility with 307 beds, including pediatric intensive care, cardiac intensive care, and neonatal intensive care units. Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Emergency Medicine Division is staffed by over twenty PEM physicians and manages over 85,000 patient visits annually, with around 10% of these requiring admission, accounting for 68% of all hospital admissions. Moreover, the Emergency Department is recognized as the only freestanding Pediatric Trauma Center in Florida, providing critical care to over 300 severely injured children each year.

In conjunction with the fellowship, Nicklaus Children's Hospital is affiliated with the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, functioning as the primary clinical site for medical students during their pediatrics rotation. This collaboration enhances the learning environment for fellows and students alike, fostering a culture of education and research.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum utilizes a comprehensive, integrative approach to education, encompassing didactic lectures, bedside teaching, simulation training, research design, and hands-on patient management experience. Fellows present at various academic events, including weekly meetings, journal clubs, procedure conferences, research conferences, trauma conferences, and resident noon conferences. Additionally, completing the fellowship will enable all fellows to attain certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).

Fellow training includes a significant focus on simulation, executed weekly in a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory, and involving bimonthly in situ simulations within the emergency department. These practical exercises are crucial for developing effective management and leadership skills, essential for a pediatric emergency medicine physician.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is systematically organized into thirteen four-week blocks spanning the three years of the fellowship. This structured rotation enables fellows to build proficiency and confidence in their clinical skills progressively. An emphasis on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is also integrated into the program. Each fellow participates in a training program that meets the requirements set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), including a local comprehensive course, longitudinal scanning shifts, and monthly educational sessions.

Integrated PEM-POCUS Fellowship

Fellows have the chance to apply for an Integrated PEM-POCUS Fellowship in their first year, a unique opportunity that combines POCUS training with the fellowship. Only one fellow per academic year is selected to embark on this integrated track, which equips them with advanced skills in POCUS relevant to research, administration, and teaching. The fellow will also engage in weekly scanning shifts, didactic sessions, and quality analysis, culminating in “added qualifications in POCUS” upon graduation, preparing them for roles such as Ultrasound Director.

Application Process

To apply for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship, candidates must participate in the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) application process. Required application components include a comprehensive application form, a current curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference. Following the review of all applications, leading candidates will be invited for interviews, with the application deadline set for September 1st.

Clinical Competency Committee

In alignment with accreditation requirements, the fellowship program implements a Clinical Competency Committee (CCC), consisting of at least three core faculty members, excluding the program director. This committee meets at least twice a year to discuss each resident's performance data and make consensus decisions regarding individual progress, identifying any need for action if a resident does not meet the specified milestones. This structured feedback mechanism ensures tailored support for each fellow as they advance through the program.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Nicklaus Children's Hospital provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring candidates for J-1 or H-1B visas, enhancing accessibility for qualified individuals from around the globe.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The program is recognized as competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds. While it primarily accepts MD graduates, it is also open to DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), reflecting an inclusive approach to candidate selection. Specific application requirements may include limitations on the number of failed STEP exams; therefore, prospective fellows should ensure they meet the criteria before applying.