University of Chicago Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train exceptional physicians aiming to lead in pediatric hospital medicine. This fellowship intertwines a focus on patient care, medical education, and scholarship, striving to develop leaders in the field who excel in providing compassionate, evidence-based care while addressing health equity.

The fellowship's mission aligns with the broader objectives of the University of Chicago Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, prioritizing a commitment to compassionate care that respects each patient's dignity and individuality. Fellows are trained to cultivate a strong foundation in clinical expertise, leadership skills, interdisciplinary communication, and scholarship through extensive clinical and non-clinical opportunities 1.

Program Structure

Comer Children’s Hospital serves as the primary training site for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship, where fellows immerse themselves in diverse clinical experiences under the supervision of a robust team of pediatric hospitalists. The hospital, situated in a vibrant community on the South Side of Chicago, offers a wide range of healthcare needs, from acute to chronic to complex illnesses. Rotations are designed to reflect the extensive expertise of UCM's pediatric faculty, which includes inpatient hospital medicine, emergency medicine, pediatric intensive care, sedation, and palliative care 2.

Fellows will lead multidisciplinary teams and engage with a cohort of professionals, including residents and medical students, in a collaborative practice that reinforces holistic patient care models. The fellowship features individualized curricula tailored to each fellow’s career and scholarship goals, alongside opportunities for additional clinical electives at La Rabida Children’s Hospital and Riverside Medical Center, enhancing the breadth of clinical exposure 2.

Scholarship and Research Opportunities

Scholarship is a fundamental aspect of the fellowship experience. Each fellow is expected to complete a scholarly project, supported by a dedicated Scholarship Oversight Committee and a research mentor. This intellectual engagement commences with a summer course introducing fellows to clinical research principles, including research design and statistical analysis. Throughout the year, core didactic sessions foster a deeper understanding of topics relevant to pediatric hospital medicine, including medical education and advocacy 2.

Training Environment and Clinical Exposure

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship is set in a university-based tertiary care center, offering exposure to a variety of clinical cases that enrich the fellows' training experience. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, ensuring that fellows engage with allied health professionals such as clinical pharmacists, dietitians, and case managers in their hands-on training. This comprehensive training prepares fellows for the complexities of pediatric hospital medicine and develops the skills necessary for future educational leadership roles 1.

Application Process and Eligibility

The fellowship accepts one fellow each year, and applicants must possess either an MD or DO degree and presently be a resident (at least PL2) in an ACGME-accredited Pediatrics program. Candidates must be able to obtain licensure in Illinois and are expected to become eligible for the American Board of Pediatrics examination following their training. The program is particularly open to under-represented minorities and does consider applications from international candidates on an individual basis, stressing the necessity of full-time work authorization in the U.S. Candidates requiring sponsorship are encouraged to apply for J-1 visas, which are preferred by the program 4.

Rotations and Additional Training Sites

In addition to core rotations at Comer, fellows will experience opportunities at two additional clinical sites, La Rabida Children’s Hospital and Riverside Medical Center. At La Rabida, focused on chronic illnesses, fellows will lead care teams for children requiring multifaceted rehabilitation or who are transitioning from ICUs, providing a compelling experience in complex care medicine. Meanwhile, at Riverside, fellows engage in community medicine, working with a pediatric hospitalist team to manage a spectrum of pediatric cases 2.

Competitiveness and Community Engagement

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is competitive, seeking well-rounded candidates who are passionate about pediatric healthcare. The fellowship aims to engage with a diverse community, emphasizing the commitment to improved health outcomes and equitable care for children's health. The program promotes a nurturing environment that supports inquiry and innovation among fellows, fostering professional growth throughout their training journey 3.