Rush University Medical Center Program

RUSH University Medical Center offers a comprehensive ACGME-accredited Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program designed to equip trainees with a broad spectrum of clinical, research, teaching, and leadership opportunities aimed at achieving excellence across these domains. The program encompasses a wide array of training and experiences to foster the development of well-rounded neonatologists.

Clinical Training Facilities

The fellowship program operates within a state-of-the-art 72-bed level 3 single-family room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), recognized for providing specialized and high-quality care for both premature and full-term infants. Key features of the NICU include advanced treatment options such as high-frequency ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, therapeutic hypothermia, and ECMO. The NICU supports around 400 admissions annually, including those requiring high-risk follow-up services.

Curriculum Overview

The robust fellowship curriculum is structured around the six ACGME core competencies and prioritizes a maximization of clinical responsibilities primarily during the first two years of training. Initial clinical exposure will span both the NICU and high-risk follow-up clinics, focusing on simulation-based education to develop critical procedural skills and teamwork capabilities.

Clinical Responsibilities

Trainees will engage in direct patient care, oversight of junior medical personnel, antenatal counseling, and multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering NICU care. Overall, a total of approximately 13 months of direct clinical NICU experience will be conducted throughout the fellowship, alongside expected rotations through relevant specialties such as maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric cardiology. Key institutions involved in these rotations include Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Rush Copley Medical Center.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is a significant emphasis of the fellowship, dedicating at least 19.5 months to this component over three years. Trainees will develop research projects in clinical/translation, quality improvement, or educational domains tailored to individual career aspirations. The program encourages participation in faculty-led studies and provides resources for finding mentors in other departments if interested in research areas outside of neonatology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program boasts several distinctive features that enhance the fellowship experience:

Diversity and Inclusion

The NICU serves a diverse patient population, and RUSH University Medical Center prioritizes diversity among faculty, staff, and trainees. This commitment is supported through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum designed to promote an equitable workplace and clinical environment.

Human Milk Research Program

The RUSH NICU Human Milk Research Program has established a national and international reputation for its focus on the impact of human milk on neonatal health. This program operates under sustained funding and conducts essential research relating to breastfeeding for preterm and high-risk infants.

Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center

The program also offers opportunities for fellow engagement with the Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center, which provides comprehensive prenatal counseling and care for pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies.

Application Process

The Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Program participates in the National Resident Matching Program and utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for applications. Candidates must have completed a US or Canadian accredited General Pediatrics residency. The application components include personal statements, letters of recommendation (including one from the residency program director), and a standardized letter of reference.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides necessary visa support for qualified candidates, typically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types for international medical graduates. This aspect enhances accessibility for candidates globally, promoting diversity within the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming applications from both MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific requirements include graduation from a recognized medical program and adherence to a maximum threshold for failed steps in USMLE to ensure candidates meet the program's high standards.

Living in Chicago

Chicago offers a vibrant urban lifestyle enriched with cultural diversity, culinary experiences, and various outdoor activities. The program's location in the Illinois Medical District provides convenient access to local amenities and public transportation, allowing fellows to easily engage with the city while pursuing their training.