University of Minnesota Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Minnesota provides an extensive training program for those pursuing a career in neonatal medicine. The program is ACGME accredited and jointly sponsored by the Division of Neonatology and Children's Minnesota. Training primarily occurs at the M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital and Children’s Minnesota-St. Paul Campus, which are both recognized for their excellence in neonatal care.

Program Structure

The fellowship encompasses a well-rounded curriculum structured over three years, focusing on clinical training, scholarly activity, and research. Fellows are expected to gain comprehensive experience across various components as defined by the American Board of Pediatrics’s guidelines.

Clinical Rotations

During the three-year fellowship, fellows will participate in about 12 to 15 months of clinical rotations, which includes a significant portion dedicated to working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The first year will primarily focus on direct patient care in the NICU, where fellows are given high degrees of responsibility while supervised by faculty neonatologists.

Fellows will rotate between two primary sites, with the M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital admitting approximately 750 neonates and Children's Minnesota-St. Paul handling around 925 admissions a year. The NICUs provide a complex and busy environment tackling diverse neonatal conditions, thereby preparing fellows to manage critically ill infants effectively.

Additional Clinical Experiences

Following the foundational rotations in the NICU, second and third-year fellows will have opportunities to participate in elective rotations that include Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, and the Vermont Oxford Network for quality improvement initiatives. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will also be trained in neonatal resuscitation and other critical care protocols.

Scholarly Activities

About 18 to 20 months of the fellowship is dedicated to scholarly activities. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects which may encompass areas like clinical basic research, educational methodologies, or public policy related to neonatal care. Each fellow develops an individualized learning plan that outlines goals and intended project outcomes, supported by faculty mentors.

Research Opportunities

The program is heavily involved in ongoing research initiatives, providing opportunities for fellows to participate in collaborative projects on topics like the efficacy of novel treatments in neonatology, patient safety, and quality improvement measures across NICU settings. Faculty mentors come from a diverse background, encouraging interdisciplinary projects and scholarly publication.

Benefits and Support

Fellows receive several benefits which include financial support for educational expenses, funding for attendance at conferences and educational resources, and professional development opportunities. Each fellow will have access to a minimum of $1,500 annually for their development, as well as membership to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open and supportive of individuals holding J-1 visas, as well as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The fellowship is competitive, with an emphasis on selecting candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program before the start date of the fellowship. Key application requirements include three letters of recommendation, with specific preference for one from a neonatologist. Candidates are also encouraged to contribute any information that highlights their background and interests in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is designed for motivated individuals aspiring to advance their careers in this vital field of pediatrics, preparing them for future challenges in neonatal care and research.