University of Florida Program

The University of Florida's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program aims to train future leaders in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Established in 1974, the program is ACGME-accredited and provides training for a total of 9 fellows, with three fellows accepted each year. The program emphasizes a comprehensive blend of clinical training and academic development, preparing fellows for board certification in neonatal-perinatal medicine upon graduation 1.

Fellows gain invaluable clinical experience through exposure to a wide variety of cases at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The program facilitates intensive learning opportunities, ensuring that graduates are competitive for various professional roles, including academic and private practice settings. Notably, about half of the graduates from the past 20 years are in academic positions, such as physician scientists and clinician educators 1.

Clinical Training

The clinical training component is designed to ensure that fellows acquire the necessary skills for providing top-notch neonatal care. Key areas of focus include antenatal consultation, delivery room stabilization, intensive care management, and high-risk follow-up clinics. Fellows typically engage in extensive clinical responsibilities, including four rotations per year in the NICU, which totals approximately 3000 annual deliveries and 850 NICU admissions 3.

During their training, fellows are expected to complete various procedures and become adept in advanced technologies, such as Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS), inhaled nitric oxide, and high-frequency ventilation. The program emphasizes a gradual increase in responsibilities, culminating in two four-week “pre-attending” rotations. During these rotations, third-year fellows function as attending physicians under faculty supervision 3.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Prospective fellows must fulfill specific admission criteria, including the successful completion of an ACGME-approved pediatric residency and eligibility for medical licensure in Florida. The program welcomes International Medical Graduates and is committed to fostering diversity among its fellows. Application materials typically include three ERAS letters of recommendation, a CV, and a photocopy of the medical school diploma. The program only accepts applications submitted through ERAS and participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2.

Historically, the UF Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship is regarded as competitive. Importantly, it is friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, inviting a diverse pool of talented individuals 2.

Research Training Opportunities

The fellowship also places considerable emphasis on research training, aiming to prepare fellows for careers as physician-scientists. Each fellow selects a primary mentor and forms a Scholarship Oversight Committee to guide their research trajectory. Opportunities are available in various fields of interest, including clinical, translational, and basic science research 1. Fellows are expected to present their research findings at national conferences and submit manuscripts by the conclusion of their training.

Noteworthy research facilities and partnerships exist within the University of Florida’s broader academic community, linking fellows to extensive resources and expertise across several disciplines. The emphasis on scholarly activities is intended to ensure that fellows leave with substantial accomplishments in research by the time they graduate 9.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Florida fellowship program uniquely integrates robust education and clinical exposure through innovative strategies such as the Neonatal Simulation Curriculum. This curriculum allows fellows to enhance technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills in high-fidelity simulation scenarios. This approach is supplemented by didactic sessions and ongoing evaluations to ensure competencies are met throughout the training 8.

Visa Support

The University of Florida provides visa support for eligible international medical graduates. The program can sponsor J-1 visas and is committed to supporting fellows from diverse backgrounds and experiences, which enhances the training environment and fosters learning opportunities across cultural dimensions 2.

Location: Gainesville

Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is a vibrant university community known for its picturesque natural landscape and outdoor activities. The fellowship program ensures that during their training, fellows can take advantage of the local resources, including wellness initiatives and community support networks, enhancing both professional and personal development 1.