Stony Brook Medicine/Stony Brook Children's Hospital Program

The Stony Brook Medicine program in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine is affiliated with Stony Brook Children's Hospital and is regarded as a prominent center for neonatal and obstetrical care and education. As a designated Regional Perinatal Center by the New York State Department of Health, the program plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality, innovative healthcare to the most vulnerable patients, specifically neonates and their mothers, in Suffolk County and beyond. Each year, Stony Brook Children's NICU handles approximately 1,000 admissions, which includes 100 neonatal transports and 200 maternal transports, alongside an impressive 4,000 inborn deliveries

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Stony Brook Children's consists of a state-of-the-art 46-bed facility with all-private rooms. This innovative environment allows for superior developmental and family-centered care, as it protects critical factors such as lighting and noise, enabling better control over the infant's surroundings. The design also facilitates the important bonding process between parents and their infants, further supporting the psychosocial needs of families during critical times

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship program is meticulously organized to instill both clinical expertise and academic rigor among fellows. The program's three-year structure accommodates two fellows each year, ensuring individualized attention and exposure to various aspects of neonatal care. The fellows benefit from a robust clinical training regimen, hands-on experiences in the NICU, and opportunities for research-based learning, thus fostering comprehensive development as future neonatologists. The program emphasizes the application of medical knowledge to patient care and best practices within a collaborative healthcare system, underscoring the Division’s commitment to high-quality standards.

Fellowship Training

The fellowship training includes access to a Neonatal Skills Lab, which is equipped with manikins and task trainers to teach both basic and advanced neonatal skills. The Clinical Skills Center offers multidisciplinary neonatal simulation involving standardized patients, further enhancing the learning experience. The program prepares fellows for independent practice and board certification in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and emphasizes the significance of research contributions through collaborations with leading scientists and researchers in the field

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role within the fellowship, with neonatology faculty engaging in both basic and translational research that is essential for the advancement of neonatal care. The Neonatal Research Center is dedicated to surfactant metabolism, neonatal immunology, and infection detection methodologies, which aids fellows in developing their scholarly work products necessary for board eligibility. This research-centric environment is complemented by prominent partnerships and collaborative projects throughout the institution

Unique Aspects of the Program

Stony Brook's program offers unique features, including in-depth training in quality improvement and patient safety protocols. Fellows receive education on evidence-based practices utilizing the Team STEPPS strategy, which equips them with the skills to monitor patient safety, enhance communication, and foster teamwork in a clinical setting. The continued education of fellows is prioritized, enabling mentoring relationships with seasoned neonatologists while participating in interprofessional training sessions

Training Sites and Facilities

The NICU at Stony Brook Children's Hospital is a recognized Level 3B New York State designated regional perinatal center. It provides comprehensive facilities that cater to complex neonatal cases, ensuring access to a full spectrum of pediatric subspecialties. The dedicated neonatal transport team is available 24/7, equipped with state-of-the-art transport incubators capable of delivering advanced life support measures to at-risk neonates

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program typically does not accept applicants on H1B visas, aligning with common policies across many medical institutions. However, it is essential for prospective applicants to review their visa options closely, as the institution may offer sponsorship for certain non-immigrant visa types.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship program, applicants must be graduates of accredited USA Pediatric Residency Programs and board-eligible or board-certified in Pediatrics. The program seeks candidates with a strong commitment to developing competencies in subspecialty practice, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and collaborative healthcare strategies in training. Additionally, the program values research experience and encourages highly motivated individuals to apply through the established residency match mechanism.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Stony Brook fellowship program is known for its rigorous selection process and is considered highly competitive. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG communities, fostering an inclusive environment for aspiring neonatologists. Candidates are encouraged to present their clinical experiences and research involvement during the application process to enhance their competitiveness for admission.