University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a prestigious program designed to train pediatric residents in academic pediatric critical care medicine. The mission is to prepare fellows for leadership roles while providing compassionate care to critically ill children across various healthcare settings. Fellows will experience comprehensive training, mentorship, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research in pediatric critical care.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must participate in the National Resident Matching Program and submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Applicants must hold a valid ECFMG certificate and must successfully complete United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 prior to commencing the fellowship. Candidates should be actively enrolled in, or have completed, an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency program. The program is friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, particularly emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusing various medical backgrounds.

Visa sponsorship is available for international applicants, particularly through the J-1 Visa category, which is commonly used for non-residents. The program can provide guidance and support in navigating the visa application process.

Training Structure

The fellowship spans three years, during which fellows rotate through various critical care services, including pediatric cardiac intensive care, general pediatric critical care, procedural sedation, and pediatric palliative care services. The structure is designed to progressively increase the responsibilities and clinical independence of the fellows.

Year 1

In the first year, fellows focus on foundational clinical skills in critical care. This includes developing expertise in advanced resuscitative techniques, management of critically ill patients, and procedural skills such as airway management. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative practice with various pediatric subspecialties, enhancing the fellows' ability to make critical decisions and manage patient care effectively.

Year 2

The second year builds on the first, with fellows taking on increased responsibility for patient management and decision-making. They are expected to begin supervising junior trainees and participating in research initiatives. Development of an individual research plan is encouraged, alongside participation in quality improvement projects and clinical databases.

Year 3

In the third year, fellows function more independently and assume teaching roles within the program. The focus is on finalizing research projects and preparing for their future careers in pediatric critical care medicine. This year typically includes significant time devoted to research interests and career mentorship.

Clinical Experience

Fellows provide 24-hour in-house coverage at the pediatric trauma service and are involved in managing emergencies throughout the hospital, including consultations and stabilization of pediatric patients. The program offers hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings, which is critical for developing competence in pediatric critical care.1

Research Opportunities

Research is highly encouraged throughout the fellowship, with fellows benefiting from mentorship by faculty members in their respective areas of interest. The program is actively involved in significant research consortia such as the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators Research Consortium. Research training includes protocol development, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation of findings at regional and national meetings. Fellows are guided to discover funding opportunities and gain skills in scientific investigation and academic writing.1

Facilities and Resources

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is primarily conducted at Holtz Children’s Hospital, which provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Jackson Memorial Hospital, being the largest trauma center in the country, serves as an exceptional training ground for pediatric specialties. Additionally, fellows benefit from resources available through the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.1

Teaching and Mentorship

The program is dedicated to a culture of mentorship and teaching. Fellows engage in teaching pediatric residents and nursing staff in the Simulation Laboratory, contributing to an educational environment that fosters collaborative learning for all. Monthly conferences and lectures keep the fellows updated on essential developments within pediatric critical care and related fields.1

Competitiveness

The fellowship is notably competitive, attracting a diverse applicant pool. While the program supports a wide spectrum of medical backgrounds and is open to DO and IMG candidates, prospective applicants should be aware that meeting all eligibility and application criteria is crucial to enhance their candidacy.