Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers a Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship program that emphasizes specialized training, patient-centered care, and an innovative curriculum geared towards developing adept neonatal specialists. This program is highly competitive, aiming to attract residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and possess the essential skills required for managing complex neonatal cases.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide rigorous training in the care of critically ill infants. Fellows engage in clinical rotations that enhance their hands-on experience in various aspects of neonatal-perinatal medicine. The program includes:

• In-depth training in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Experience in multidisciplinary rounds and collaborative case management.
• Opportunities to lead a team in providing integrative care for patients and families.
• Exposure to high-risk obstetrical care and maternal-fetal medicine.

Each educational component is designed to reinforce clinical reasoning, decision-making skills, and the application of the latest research findings in clinical practice.1

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The fellowship consists of various rotations that enable fellows to gain comprehensive exposure to different subspecialties within neonatal and perinatal medicine. Key rotation features include:

• Neonatal intensive care rotations to gain direct experience managing premature and critically ill neonates.
• Elective rotations in areas such as genetics, radiology, and cardiology.
• Opportunities to participate in outpatient follow-up clinics, enhancing long-term care skills.

Fellows will also work closely with pediatric subspecialties throughout New Jersey, allowing them to establish a wide network of clinical contacts and collaborators.2

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on engaging fellows in research projects that contribute to the field of neonatal medicine. Research initiatives may involve:

• Participation in clinical trials relevant to neonatal health.
• Conducting quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing neonatal care.
• Collaboration with experienced faculty on investigational studies.

This involvement fosters analytical skills and prepares fellows to present findings at conferences and contribute to published literature.3

Training Sites

Fellows will primarily train at located institutions, such as:

• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, boasting a Level IV NICU.
• Other affiliated sites offering a range of pediatric services.

These institutions provide the resources and facilities required to support comprehensive training in neonatal care.4

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants. Specifically, it is able to provide sponsorship for J-1 visas, which are often required for international medical graduates seeking to undertake clinical training in the U.S.5

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is considered highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have completed a pediatric residency and demonstrate strong academic records and clinical acumen. Additionally, the program welcomes applications from DO and international medical graduates, reflecting its inclusive approach.6

Special application requirements include:

• A limit of one failed attempt per licensing examination (i.e., USMLE or COMLEX).
• A maximum of five years since completion of residency training.
• Additional documentation may be requested to evaluate the applicant's preparedness and commitment to the field of neonatal medicine.

This structure not only maintains high program standards but also allows for a diverse candidate pool who can contribute to the fellowship's mission.7