Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University/duPont Hospital for Children Program

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program Overview

The Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Training Program is a well-respected fellowship offered jointly by Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Christiana Hospital, and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). This fellowship is designed to provide a comprehensive and unique training experience that leads to careers in academic or clinical neonatology. The program aims to develop clinicians who are capable of managing critically ill newborns while also training in various aspects of basic and clinical science research, enabling graduates to excel in both clinical and academic settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses clinical care across three diverse clinical settings, providing fellows with extensive exposure and varying experiences. The fellowship comprises rotations at:

• Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware: This institution has a renowned 32-bed referral NICU and a 14-bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Fellows will handle complex cases involving ECMO and care for neonates with congenital heart diseases.
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital: The Level III NICU at this urban location serves as a tertiary referral site for photocoagulation therapy and therapeutic hypothermia. Fellows engage with a diverse patient population, including those requiring specialized care due to high-risk pregnancies.
• Christiana Hospital: As Delaware's only general tertiary care facility, it delivers over 7,000 infants annually and hosts an active maternal-fetal medicine department. Its NICU supports expedited neonatal care and has significant research involvement in quality improvement initiatives.

Research and Training

The fellowship encourages research involvement across several areas, allowing fellows to engage with topics like neonatal abstinence syndrome and quality improvement projects such as antibiotic stewardship. Additionally, fellows benefit from established research collaborations, obtaining exposure to both clinical and translational research methodologies.

Research opportunities are embedded into the curriculum, further supported by a robust research program that includes dedicated time for scientific inquiry and lectures. Fellows are encouraged to present their research at national meetings, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the field of neonatology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is characterized by its strong clinical training across multi-faceted NICU settings and is well-positioned to nurture the next generation of leaders in neonatal and perinatal medicine. Some unique features include:

• A total of 12 fellows with a planned increase to 15 to enhance learning experiences.
• ECMO training managed by the NICU team, complemented by simulation programs designed to prepare fellows adequately.
• Access to a Masters degree through Thomas Jefferson University, providing additional academic credentials that fulfill scholarly activity requirements.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive salaries based on the fellows' academic year:

• PGY 4: $80,904
• PGY 5: $84,139
• PGY 6: $87,505
• PGY 7: $91,005

In addition to salaries, benefits include medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage, malpractice insurance, and an educational stipend for professional development.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, allowing for a smooth transition into the United States healthcare system. Typically, the fellowship offers support for J-1 and H-1B visa types, aiding the acceptance of diverse and qualified candidates.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program is highly competitive and is described as DO/IMG friendly, encouraging applications from a diverse range of candidates. Key application requirements may include:

• A completed ERAS application.
• A limit on the number of failed USMLE Step exams, typically allowing for one failure.
• Consideration of the year of graduation from medical school, emphasizing recent educational experiences.

Living in the Delaware Valley

The fellowship is situated in the tri-state area, which includes unique living opportunities in urban and suburban settings. Prospective fellows may find living in downtown Philadelphia advantageous due to the proximity to multiple hospitals and a rich cultural scene, which encompasses museums, sports, and dining experiences across the Philadelphia metro area, complemented by leisure options in surrounding states like Delaware.