Old Dominion University Program

Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at Old Dominion University

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University aims to develop leaders in the field of Child Abuse Pediatrics. The program is designed to protect the safety and well-being of child victims of abuse and neglect, providing fellows with essential training and experience. Fellows will work closely with Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, known as the only freestanding children's hospital in Virginia, to gain experience in clinical, educational, and research settings essential for careers in this specialized field 1.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, which serves as the regional pediatric referral center for coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. With extensive resources including a pediatric Level I trauma center, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit, the hospital has the infrastructure to support comprehensive child abuse programs 1.

Additionally, fellows have the opportunity to rotate at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, gaining essential forensic pathology experience integral to the evaluation of child abuse cases. This hands-on exposure includes participation in autopsies and longitudinal evaluations throughout the fellowship 1.

Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The curriculum of the Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship spans three years and encompasses clinical, research, and teaching components. Fellows are immersed in CHKD's Child Abuse Program, where they engage in forensic interviews, medical evaluations, psychological testing, and case management for surviving victims of abuse. The clinical experience allows fellows to become proficient in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of child and adolescent victims of abuse 2.

Clinical activities include performing inpatient and investigative consultations as well as sexual assault examinations. Fellows attend the Child Abuse Clinic three days a week, manage urgent cases, and participate in multidisciplinary team evaluations, collaborating with professionals across multiple jurisdictions and military branches 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pillar of the fellowship, providing fellows with training in epidemiology, research design, and statistical methods. They will work alongside renowned faculty members in the Child Abuse research team, culminating in periodical presentations at scientific meetings and submissions for publication in peer-reviewed journals 2.

Application Process

To apply for the Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship, candidates must have completed a pediatric residency accredited by the American Board of Pediatrics or be board certified in pediatrics. The program accepts international medical graduates under J-1 visa sponsorship. The application is submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), requiring a CV, personal statement, a photograph, three recommendation letters (including one from the residency program director), and official transcripts 3.

Stipend and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive stipend structure, with PGY-4 fellows receiving $70,644, PGY-5 fellows $73,138, and PGY-6 fellows $75,487 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Benefits include access to medical library resources, educational stipends for continued learning, shared office space, health insurance options, and paid leave entitlements including maternity and paternity leave. Fellows are also encouraged to attend various national conferences relevant to child abuse pediatrics, with participation costs covered 4.

Wellness and Support

The program emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and wellness support for fellows. Resources such as counseling services, running clubs, and leadership coaching are made available, contributing to a supportive environment aimed at ensuring fellow well-being throughout the training period 1.