University of Chicago/Comer Children's Hospital Program

The University of Chicago offers an ACGME-accredited one-year fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesia at Comer Children’s Hospital. This fellowship is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of pediatric anesthesiology, encompassing a diverse range of clinical cases and subspecialties associated with the care of children.

Overview of the Program

Comer Children’s Hospital is a 172-bed acute-care facility that stands out as a major tertiary academic referral center and a pediatric Level I trauma center. Since its establishment, it has focused on providing state-of-the-art, family-centered care for children, from neonates to adolescents, facing various medical challenges. The program emphasizes both clinical and educational excellence, preparing its fellows to become proficient consultants in pediatric anesthesia 1.

Clinical Experience

The majority of the training occurs at Comer Children’s Hospital, with two one-month rotations at Lurie Children’s Hospital. These rotations enhance the fellow’s exposure to cardiac anesthesia and pediatric pain management within another reputable ACGME-accredited facility. The training typically comprises seven months in the Comer Operating Room, with the remaining time devoted to pediatric ICU, neonatal ICU, and pediatric pain management rotations at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the fellow will engage in post-anesthetic care and pediatric sedation rotations 1.

Curriculum

The program's structure allows fellows to gradually take on more responsibility over the course of the year. At the beginning of their training, fellows share call responsibilities with rotating residents, and as their skills advance, they transition into supervisory roles by the end of the fellowship, which includes educational responsibilities for junior trainees. Academic time, including conference attendance, is built into the schedule, allowing fellows to enhance their learning opportunities 1.

Didactics and Scholarly Activity

The fellowship offers a robust didactic curriculum that encompasses core topics relevant to pediatric anesthesia. This includes a defined year-long lecture series, weekly journal clubs focusing on current literature, and participation in the Midwest Pediatric Anesthesia Simulation Bootcamp annually. Furthermore, fellows are expected to engage in scholarly projects, which could be presented at regional and national conferences, or published, with an emphasis placed on quality improvement initiatives 1.

Faculty

The fellowship is supported by a dedicated faculty involved in teaching, research, and clinical practice. Fellows train under board-certified anesthesiologists who are committed to educating the next generation of pediatric anesthesiologists, thus providing an enriching mentorship experience 1.

Benefits

The fellow receives numerous benefits during the fellowship, including a competitive salary, health and life insurance, a travel allowance, and opportunities for additional clinical responsibilities that can lead to extra income through moonlighting. The fellowship also provides a supportive environment for networking and professional development through society memberships, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists 1.

Application Requirements

Application for the Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship is conducted through the San Francisco Match. Candidates are required to possess a completed CV, scores from the USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, and three letters of recommendation—one of which should be from the candidate's program director. Applicants must have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and be either board-eligible or board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology at the start of fellowship training. It is also mandatory to hold a valid Illinois medical license prior to commencing the fellowship program 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides support for international medical graduates, including visa sponsorship options to facilitate participation. The fellowship is competitive, welcoming both DOs and international medical graduates, and aligning with many ACGME accredited fellowships in terms of applicant standards and selection processes 1.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at Comer Children's Hospital prepares its fellows through a rich curriculum and diverse clinical experiences, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in pediatric anesthesiology. For aspiring anesthesiologists, this fellowship represents an opportunity to receive comprehensive training in a supportive academic environment focused on excellence in patient care.