University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship Program is a distinguished two-year ACGME-accredited program designed to cultivate proficient pediatric hospitalists who can provide comprehensive care, engage in innovative education, and act as dedicated advocates for children and adolescents. The program is dedicated to equipping fellows with the essential knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to excel as leaders in pediatric hospital medicine.

The fellowship's training primarily takes place at Norton Children's Hospital, which is the only free-standing children's hospital in Kentucky. This facility offers critical care and specialized services to children and adolescents throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The hospital is equipped with approximately 300 beds and supports various subspecialties. The Pediatric Hospitalist service at Norton Children's Hospital carries out more than 5,000 admissions annually, addressing a diverse array of general pediatric illnesses as well as complex cases that require intensive care and multidisciplinary management.

Training Sites

In addition to Norton Children's Hospital, fellows engage in training experiences at Norton Women's and Children's Hospital. This site, situated about 10 miles from Norton Children's Hospital, features a 14-bed pediatric unit, a 40-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a fully staffed 12-bed Pediatric Emergency Department. These facilities provide valuable training in community pediatrics and newborn care.

Program Structure and Faculty

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine team consists of a robust cadre of healthcare professionals, including:

• 25 pediatric faculty members
• 4 medicine/pediatrics faculty members
• 4 nurse clinicians
• 1 fellowship coordinator

These faculty members embody a blend of clinical expertise, educational leadership, and dedicated mentorship, playing vital roles in numerous non-clinical capacities such as quality improvement and medical education.

Curriculum

The curriculum is enriched by a wide variety of learning activities, encompassing core rotations, a selection of clinical electives, and academic electives. Clinical rotations at Norton Children's Hospital and Norton Women's and Children's Hospital allow fellows to integrate their knowledge in real-world settings. They have opportunities to engage in subspecialties, such as cardiology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, neurology, psychiatry, and more. Academic electives offer additional avenues for advanced training, including coursework for master's programs, advocacy education, and leadership training in hospital management.

Conferences and Learning Activities

Fellows participate in a structured series of conferences designed to enhance their clinical acumen and knowledge base. Weekly and monthly conferences include:

• Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds
• Pediatric Resident Grand Rounds
• PHM Divisional Conference
• Morbidity and Mortality Conferences
• Research Boot Camp

This framework not only addresses core knowledge areas but also fosters an environment of collaborative learning and continuous improvement.

Program Competitiveness

The fellowship program is selective, accepting only one fellow per year. It operates under high competitiveness and thus expects applicants to demonstrate a strong background in pediatrics. While the program welcomes candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), candidates with a solid foundation in pediatric principles and practices are favored. Specific application criteria may include maximal wellness at the time of education and participation in pediatric rotations during medical training.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support and is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified international medical graduates, furthering the program’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

Living in Louisville

Fellows will find Louisville, Kentucky, to be a vibrant location for both personal and professional growth, with a rich culture and numerous amenities. The living experience in Louisville includes access to diverse neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and cultural events that enhance the fellowship journey.