Tower Health Program

The fellowship training program in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Tower Health is a comprehensive three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It focuses on providing fellows with a robust clinical foundation necessary for practicing medicine in response to the evolving challenges of neonatal care in the 21st century. The fellows will have opportunities to practice at various Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) that are Level III and IV, catering to a wide spectrum of patient needs ranging from normal deliveries to critically ill newborns requiring advanced medical interventions, including complex surgeries or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) 1.

The fellowship program admits three first-year fellows annually and is led by experienced faculty members who are dedicated to fostering an academic environment that prepares fellows for a career in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. The mission of the program is to expose trainees to a diverse patient population while providing them with a deep understanding of research design and methodologies 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The clinical training component comprises a total of 12 to 15 months spent in clinical service, which includes specific rotations in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery among others. During the fellowship, fellows also dedicate 15 to 19 months to research and will have the chance to partake in continuity clinics to foster ongoing patient care 3. The fellow's experience is enriched through direct involvement in high-risk deliveries and complex medical cases encountered at two Level III NICUs. This hands-on clinical exposure is complemented by a block schedule that ensures fellows gain a thorough understanding of both clinical practice and research methodologies.

Educational Opportunities

A strong commitment to education is apparent throughout the fellowship's structure. Daily teaching conferences and rounds are conducted with staff radiologists and other medical professionals in the field. Furthermore, fellows are afforded protected time each week for educational activities that encompass various aspects of clinical medicine, perinatal physiology, and ongoing research projects 4. Comprehensive core curriculum meetings are organized to facilitate interaction between fellows from different specializations, enhancing their collaborative and interdisciplinary skills.

Research Involvement

This fellowship places great emphasis on research, dedicating significant periods for fellows to formulate and execute research projects, which culminate in presentations at national and international conferences. Research initiatives within the Neonatal-Perinatal division investigate critical topics such as brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal immune responses, and healthcare disparities affecting newborn feeding outcomes 3. Fellows are encouraged to pursue their research interests diligently, receiving essential mentorship throughout the process.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency and be eligible for board certification in Pediatrics. The program requires that all applicants successfully pass all three Steps of the USMLE and submit three letters of reference, including one from the Pediatric Program Director 5. Foreign medical graduates are welcome to apply, provided they have met the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification criteria. The program is competitive, generally well-regarded among osteopathic (DO) and international medical graduates (IMG) 5.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers sponsorship for select visa types, such as J-1 or H-1B visas, for foreign medical graduates who fulfill the necessary qualifications 5. This inclusivity enhances the diverse clinical environment and broadens the educational perspective for all fellow trainees.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, which offers a 39-bed Level IV NICU serving as a referral center for critically ill infants. This facility collaborates closely with various subspecialists to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for a wide array of neonatal conditions 1.