University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program
Location:
Chicago, ILSpecialty:
Neonatal-perinatal medicineACGME Code:
3291621022Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Overview
The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago is a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited three-year training program designed to prepare physicians for an academic career in neonatal-perinatal medicine. It is primarily based at the University of Illinois Medical Center, with clinical experiences occurring at the Children’s Hospital of the University of Illinois Hospital, which houses a level III NICU with 46 beds, providing extensive care for newborns.
1Fellows engage in a structured curriculum that includes a total of 52 weeks of NICU rotations, complemented by an additional 12 weeks of clinical elective rotations, allowing for diverse learning opportunities in areas such as Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Neonatal Cardiology, and Neonatal Pharmacology. The fellowship emphasizes a transition-to-independence approach, where fellows progressively take on more responsibility, culminating in rounding as a junior attending during the final months of training.
1Clinical Experience
The clinical training involves hands-on experience and continuity of care through participation in the High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic, assessing the development of infants discharged from the NICU. The program ensures that fellows develop essential skills in clinical diagnosis and management while being supervised by experienced faculty members, who are available 24/7.
1Scholarly Activities
Research is a key component of the fellowship, with multiple tracks available for scholarly pursuit, including Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research, Global Health, Health Informatics, and Patient Safety. The program offers a tuition waiver for Master’s level courses to facilitate further education, and fellows interested in research can benefit from participating in NIH T32 training programs.
1Application Process
Applicants must be registered with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). International applicants should note that the program only sponsors J1 visas, while H1B visas require approval from the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office.
1All applications undergo a thorough review, and candidates are selected for interviews based on the completeness of their submitted documents. Specific application requirements may include the year of graduation from medical school and allowable maximum failed STEP exams, emphasizing the program's competitive nature.
1Competitiveness of the Program
The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Illinois is considered highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have completed a residency in pediatrics and must demonstrate strong academic performance or relevant experience in neonatology to be considered.
1Salary and Benefits
For the fiscal year 2024-2025, fellows can expect the following salary structure:
- PGY-4: $76,251
- PGY-5: $79,433
- PGY-6: $84,196
Benefits offered include:
- 20 days of paid vacation per academic year, including 4 observed holidays of choice.
- 24 calendar days of sick leave annually.
- Health, dental, and disability insurance available for fellows and their dependents.
- Life insurance equal to one year’s stipend, with options for additional coverage.
- Malpractice insurance coverage at 100% for all fellows.
- $3,000 educational allowance per academic year for professional development and conference attendance.
Additional resources include free access to various medical databases and discounts for parking and dry cleaning services at the hospital.
1Unique Aspects of the Fellowship
Fellows in this program benefit from an environment that supports a variety of learning opportunities, emphasizing both clinical expertise and research skills. This fellowship prepares graduates to become leaders in the field of neonatal-perinatal medicine, equipped with both the practical experience and academic background necessary for success in their careers.
1Website
Director
De-Ann M Pillers, MD, PhDProfessor, Program Director Appointed Since September 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
48hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
28hrsFirst Year Salary:
$76,251First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Chicago, IL
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Living in Chicago, IL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Chicago has areas with higher crime rates, but many neighborhoods are safe. It's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, music venues, and a variety of dining options. There are also beautiful parks and Lake Michigan for outdoor activities.
- Climate: Chicago has cold winters with snow and hot, humid summers. Spring and fall are pleasant seasons.
- Races and Population: Chicago is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and cultures, making it a multicultural hub.
- Education: Chicago has several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continuous learning.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Chicago is relatively high compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Milwaukee, WI (1.5 hours drive) and Indianapolis, IN (3 hours drive).
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, diverse population, great food options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, areas with higher crime rates, and extreme weather conditions.
Interview Questions
