University of Florida Program

Overview of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) Fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville is designed for physicians from both pediatrics and emergency medicine backgrounds, providing a distinguished training experience over three years (or two years for those coming from Emergency Medicine). Upon completion, graduates become proficient Pediatric Emergency physicians, capable of delivering exceptional care to acutely ill and injured children while also becoming adept teachers, researchers, and administrators in the field of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. The program emphasizes a strong commitment to compassion and high-quality emergency care, aligning with the overarching mission of the University of Florida College of Medicine, which is to enhance healthcare through education, clinical practice, research, and service 1.

Clinical Training Environment

At UF Health Children’s Hospital, the only quaternary-care pediatric center in North Florida, fellows receive a well-rounded clinical experience. This is enhanced by specialized training opportunities such as airway workshops, rare procedure workshops, and an extensive simulation curriculum at UF's Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation. Fellows also participate in external rotations through various departments, including Pediatric Critical Care, the Congenital Heart Center, Sports Medicine, and the Intensive Care Unit, enabling them to manage a diverse range of clinical scenarios 1.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the PEM Fellowship is to cultivate clinically excellent physicians in managing pediatric emergencies while refining their skills in teaching, scholarly investigation, and leadership. The program aims to fulfill the healthcare needs of children in Florida and beyond, equipping fellows with the necessary skills to excel in both academic and community settings after graduation 1.

Curriculum and Clinical Objectives

The fellowship curriculum focuses on a variety of key themes essential for pediatric emergency medicine, including pediatric cardiac care, toxicology, trauma, and global health. It develops graduates' ability to deliver evidence-based care and engage in administrative functions, enhance educational experiences, and participate in quality improvement initiatives 1.

Research and Teaching Objectives

Fellows are trained to become skilled investigators, learning to develop meaningful research projects and effectively contribute to academic discourse. The program emphasizes creating an educational curriculum and engaging with learners across multiple grades of medical training 1.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the PEM Fellowship must have completed residency training in General Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine from an ACGME accredited program and be board-eligible or board-certified. Notably, the program is currently not accepting J-1 Visa applicants. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening and the maintenance of a Florida Medical License 1.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive annual stipends for PGY levels ranging from $68,452 to $77,043, alongside a robust benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave, and opportunities for moonlighting within the UF Health system. Fellows also receive generous stipends for academic enhancement and conference attendance 1.

Application Process

Participation in the NRMP Match is required, and applications must be submitted through ERAS. Candidates should include three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a concise personal statement. There are specific submission periods and Match Day events that fellows must adhere to 1.

Research and Publications

The faculty actively engage in research and have authored several book chapters and publications specific to pediatric emergency medicine. Their expertise and contributions reflect the program's strong emphasis on academic achievement and dissemination of knowledge 2 3 4 5.

International and National Presentations

The faculty and fellows routinely present at significant national and international conferences, showcasing their research and implications in pediatric emergency medicine, further enhancing the program's reputation and educational offerings 6 7 8.

Unique Aspects of the Program

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is nationally recognized and continually ranks as a top children’s hospital, providing fellows with unparalleled exposure to a breadth of pediatric specialties. The program stands out for its collaborative faculty who provide personalized mentorship essential for developing scholarly pursuits and research interests 1.

Fellowship graduates emerge equipped to tackle pediatric emergencies effectively, empowered with mentorship and leadership skills needed for impactful careers in pediatrics or emergency medicine.