Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is a comprehensive, three-year program, accredited by the ACGME since 1984, which accepts two fellows annually. This fellowship is designed to train proficient neonatologists through a rigorous combination of clinical experience, academic learning, and research opportunities tailored to each fellow's interests.

Program Structure

The program consists of 14 months of clinical training, emphasizing the practice of neonatology, including the required rotations in pediatric cardiology and maternal-fetal medicine. Additionally, 19 months are dedicated to research training, allowing fellows to develop essential skills for a career in neonatal-perinatal medicine. Throughout their training, fellows are integrated into a supportive environment where they can transition to increased responsibility and independence over time, culminating in acting attending roles during their third year, ultimately preparing them for independent practice.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced focus on clinical service and research. Each fellow will complete rotations in neonatology, maternal-fetal care, and cardiology, offering a robust educational experience in managing complex neonatal issues. Additionally, neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic sessions balance clinical experience with ongoing evaluations of at-risk newborns, ensuring comprehensive training. Under this curriculum, fellows also have opportunities to specialize in areas of personal interest during their rotations, with additional elective options available in palliative care medicine and medical education courses.1

Simulation and Didactic Learning

Fellows benefit from a structured didactic series that includes Pediatric Grand Rounds, Journal Clubs, and physiology lectures. The curriculum embraces a modern educational format, incorporating simulation-based training to enhance clinical skills and decision-making. Regular simulations, such as those focusing on ECMO management and neonatal emergencies, align fellows with real clinical scenarios, thereby enhancing preparedness for the neonatal care environment.1

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes robust research training, encouraging fellows to undertake significant projects leading to publications and presentations at national conferences. Mentorship plays a crucial role in this research experience, with dedicated faculty guiding fellows through the intricacies of research design, execution, and dissemination. The presence of a comprehensive Clinical Simulation Center also supports advanced research efforts in neonatal care and quality improvement projects.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital features the only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit in central Pennsylvania, providing fellows access to the highest acuity cases and a diverse patient population. This aspect is particularly beneficial, as it prepares fellows to manage a full spectrum of neonatal challenges from premature births to complex surgical needs.1

Supportive Environment

The fellowship is backed by a collaborative team of approximately 30 neonatologists and advanced practice providers, all renowned in their respective fields, which creates a nurturing atmosphere conducive to learning. Mentorship is emphasized through structured mentorship programs pairing first-year fellows with faculty for targeted support and guidance.1

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants to the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship must hold board eligibility or certification in pediatrics and must have completed a residency from an ACGME-certified program. The program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and J-1 visa holders; however, it does not sponsor additional visa types. The selection process is competitive, with candidates recommended to submit their applications as soon as possible.1

Visa Support

The only type of visa supported by the program is J-1, which is designed for those coming into the United States for the purpose of graduate medical education. This indicates a commitment to supporting international medical graduates under specific conditions, emphasizing inclusivity in the selection process.1

Additional Application Requirements

International medical graduates must possess a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and provide comprehensive application materials through ERAS, including letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of prior training in pediatrics.1