Orlando Health/Winnie Palmer Hospital Program
Location:
Orlando, FLSpecialty:
Neonatal-perinatal medicineACGME Code:
3291132020The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies provides a comprehensive three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship is structured to develop fellows into exemplary clinicians, educators, and researchers, ultimately shaping the future of neonatal care.
Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital is known for its robust maternal and neonatal programs, delivering over 14,000 babies annually and housing a 142-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The program is closely affiliated with the Pediatrix Medical Group of Florida, the service provider for the NICU, offering extensive diverse clinical cases ranging from routine to the most complex conditions.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to balance clinical rotation experience with academic pursuits. The fellowship emphasizes a strong clinical focus while also encouraging research involvement and educational development. In addition to hands-on clinical experience, fellows can pursue advanced degrees such as a master's degree in public health or health education, depending on individual interests and goals.1
Clinical Rotations
Fellows experience various clinical rotations aimed at providing exposure to specialized areas within neonatal-perinatal medicine. These rotations include:
- The NICU Teaching Team: Fellows supervise a multidisciplinary team of residents and medical students, enhancing leadership skills while managing a range of patient complexities.
- The Tiny Baby Team: This team specializes in caring for extremely premature infants.
- The Admission/Delivery/Consult/ECMO (ADC) Team: Responsibilities include managing high-risk deliveries and procedural support.
Additional rotations in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Cardiac Intensive Care, and Palliative Care allow fellows to gain comprehensive insights into patient care before and after NICU admission.2
Research Opportunities
Research is integral to the fellowship, with an emphasis on clinical research and quality improvement projects. Fellows collaborate with faculty on various research endeavors and have opportunities to publish their findings. The presence of a dedicated research director ensures fellows receive guidance and support throughout the process. Fellows are encouraged to undertake projects that contribute to their educational experience while advancing neonatology.3
Training Sites
Fellows primarily train at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital, which is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and facilities. The hospital's NICU is recognized as one of the best in the nation and delivers sophisticated care to thousands of premature and critically ill infants each year. Rotations at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children also occur, allowing fellows to integrate pediatric subspecialty care into their training.4
Awards and Recognitions
The program's dedication to excellence is evident through multiple awards and recognitions, including:
- Ranked as a “Best Children’s Hospital” in neonatology by U.S. News & World Report.
- ECMO Center of Excellence designation.
- Consecutive Beacon Awards for excellence in bedside care by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Such recognition reflects the program's commitment to providing quality patient care and educational excellence.5
Application Process
Eligibility for the fellowship requires completion of a three-year pediatric residency in the United States within the last five years. The application must include a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX transcripts. Importantly, the submission must be completed through ERAS by the set deadline for full consideration. Interviews are offered by invitation and usually conducted virtually.6
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The fellowship program sponsors visas for eligible applicants, including H-1B and J-1 visa types, accommodating international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is tailored in a way that is friendly towards both US and international graduates. Its unique offerings, coupled with a supportive educational environment, make it a competitive choice for many applicants.7
Vacation and Benefits
Fellows are entitled to four weeks of vacation annually, one week of which aligns with the Christmas/New Year holidays. The program offers a comprehensive benefits package, including free parking, food stipends, and access to various on-campus amenities such as coffee and dining facilities.8
Specialized Clinical Programs
In addition to general neonatology, the fellowship affords exposure to specialized programs like the Tiny Baby Collaborative and the ECMO team. Each of these programs caters to specific patient populations with unique medical needs, thereby enhancing the fellows’ learning and hands-on experience.9
Website
Director
Michael J McMahan, MDProgram Director, Chair of the Program Evaluation Committee, Member of the Clinical Competency Committee Appointed Since September 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$68,200First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Orlando, FL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Orlando, FL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Orlando's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. It is important to be cautious in certain neighborhoods and practice safety measures.
- Fun Activities: Orlando is famous for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The city also offers outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, and cultural events.
- Climate: Orlando has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Be prepared for frequent rain showers, especially during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Orlando is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is growing rapidly due to the city's appeal to tourists and residents alike.
- Education: Orlando has a variety of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, colleges, and universities. The city also has a strong focus on STEM education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Orlando is relatively high compared to the national average, especially in terms of housing and healthcare. However, there are affordable neighborhoods and living options available.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Orlando is located about 4 hours away from Miami by car, which offers a vibrant urban experience with a mix of cultures and nightlife. Tampa is about 1.5 hours away, known for its waterfront attractions and cultural scene.
- Pros: Abundant entertainment options, diverse community, educational opportunities, and proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate, humid climate, and above-average cost of living.
Interview Questions
