SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an integral part of the Emergency Medicine department, designed to provide intensive clinical and academic training for fellows. Located in Brooklyn, this program benefits from its affiliation with a large tertiary medical center that serves a diverse population of approximately 2.5 million residents. The Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine manages around 40,000 patient visits annually, focusing on individuals under the age of 19 years across its clinical sites: NYC H+H Kings County Hospital Center (KCHC) and University Hospital at Downstate (UHD). The pediatric emergency department at KCHC is well-equipped, featuring 14 beds, including monitored spaces, specialized rooms for asthma, and trauma bays, all within a Level 1 Trauma Center setting 1.

Curriculum Overview

The PEM program's curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive exposure to pediatric-specific emergency medicine. It emphasizes hands-on training across various clinical scenarios and supports scholarly activities. The program's dual-site structure allows fellows to experience different operational protocols and patient demographics, enhancing their ability to manage acute pediatric conditions effectively. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary collaboration, educating fellows on working alongside specialists in various pediatric subspecialties 1.

Unique Features of the Program

One of the distinctive aspects of the PEM program at SUNY Downstate is its commitment to fostering cultural competency in the context of medical training. Recognizing the challenges posed by biases and stereotypes in healthcare, the program promotes an inclusive environment, supported by initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of socio-economic factors affecting health care delivery 2. The program encourages fellows to engage with the community through outreach initiatives, helping to bridge gaps in care and addressing health disparities directly.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the PEM fellowship. The program offers support for fellows to participate in various research projects within pediatric emergency medicine, which may include both clinical and translational research. SUNY Downstate’s established research initiatives focus on enhancing emergency care practices and examining the outcomes of interventions in pediatric populations. Faculty members are actively engaged in publishing and contributing to national guidelines, ensuring that fellows are trained in evidence-based practices 1.

Training Sites

The two main training sites for the PEM program are the KCHC and UHD. This unique arrangement provides fellows with a wide breadth of experience in handling diverse pediatric emergencies in a range of settings. Both sites are recognized for their excellence in emergency care and are equipped with advanced medical technology and facilities, fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional growth 1.

Diversity Commitment

As part of SUNY Downstate’s core values, the PEM program places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The program is aware of the inherent biases that can affect patient care and has developed structured approaches to address these challenges proactively. The Diversity As Excellence initiative, among other programs, aims to increase minority representation within healthcare professions, thereby enhancing the cultural competency of the staff and improving overall patient care outcomes 2.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The PEM program offers comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs). The types of visas available for sponsorship include J-1 visas for exchange visitors, which are particularly common for graduates seeking to undertake residency training in the United States. Candidates for the program should note any specific application criteria that may include limits on the number of failed STEP exams and the preferred time frame from graduation 1.

Competitiveness and Environment

The PEM fellowship at SUNY Downstate is characterized by its highly competitive nature, welcoming candidates across various backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) graduates. The selection process evaluates candidates based on their clinical acumen, commitment to emergency medicine, and potential to contribute to the community, ensuring a diverse and competent cohort 2.