Nicklaus Children's Hospital Program

The Pediatric Radiology Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami offers extensive training in a dedicated pediatric radiology facility. This esteemed department has been involved in pediatric radiology since its inception in 1950, focusing on the care, diagnosis, and imaging of infants, children, and adolescents. Over the decades, the program has developed a reputation for excellence through its commitment to utilizing state-of-the-art technology and methodologies tailored to the unique needs of young patients.

Training Environment and Facilities

The radiology facilities at Nicklaus Children’s are specifically designed with the comfort of children in mind. The department is a leader in the field and performs over 140,000 imaging procedures annually. The adoption of high-quality imaging technology provides practitioners the ability to deliver precise diagnoses while minimizing radiation exposure to young patients. Notably, in 2020, the hospital became the first in the Southeast to acquire the Siemens Healthineers Biograph Vision™ PET/CT system, which significantly enhances diagnostic efficiency and reduces the need for sedation.

The facilities offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests and procedures that include advanced imaging modalities such as fMRI, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and various types of nuclear medicine—all essential for the pediatric population. Such extensive resources ensure that residents are well-equipped to handle the imaging demands that come with pediatric cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum for the Pediatric Radiology Program focuses on in-depth exposure to all facets of pediatric imaging, including interventional radiology and advanced modalities like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Residents engage in both clinical and research components, allowing for a well-rounded educational experience. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in rotations that cover the following:

• General Pediatric Radiology: Gaining experience in various imaging modalities utilized across different pediatric conditions.
• Interventional Radiology: Exposure to procedures that involve image-guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures.
• Neuro-radiology: Emphasis on imaging specific to neurological conditions in pediatric patients.
• Research Development: Residents will have opportunities to partake in ongoing research initiatives and contribute to clinical studies, focusing on advancements in pediatric imaging techniques.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, particularly in areas that advance pediatric imaging techniques and improve patient outcomes. Trainees may collaborate with board-certified radiologists who are involved in various clinical studies aimed at enhancing the understanding of pediatric diseases and imaging requirements.

The Radiology Department is recognized as a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence® by the American College of Radiology. This achievement highlights the program’s adherence to superior quality imaging and diagnostic care, fostering rigorous training and privileges within the medical community for residents.

Training Locations

The program boasts multiple service locations across Miami and surrounding areas, enabling residents to experience a diverse patient demographic. Key training sites include:

• The Main Hospital Campus at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami
• Dan Marino Outpatient Center in Weston
• Miramar and Palm Beach Gardens outpatient centers, among others

These varied locations provide trainees with exposure to a broad spectrum of pediatric conditions and imaging requirements.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital supports visa applications for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible to a diverse cohort of residents. Given the hospital’s regional significance and commitment to pediatric care, the residency program is known to be competitive, inviting applications from both US medical graduates and international candidates alike.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants must possess relevant experience and may need to comply with specific application criteria. These can include but are not limited to:

• A maximum of one failed USMLE Step exam is often accepted.
• Preference for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to pediatric medicine or prior experience in pediatric settings.
• A recent graduation date (typically within a few years), although exceptions can be made based on individual circumstances.

These factors contribute to the selection process, emphasizing a focus on applicants who exhibit dedication and preparedness for a career in pediatric radiology.