University of Mississippi Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, established in 2012, is an ACGME-accredited program designed to provide comprehensive training for physicians interested in pursuing careers in pediatric critical care medicine. The program accommodates three fellows each year, offering a structured curriculum that balances clinical practice, research, and educational activities.

The fellowship includes approximately 16 months of clinical rotations primarily in two key areas: the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). The remaining time in the two- to three-year fellowship is dedicated to research activities, providing fellows with robust exposure to both basic and clinical science 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is carefully structured to enhance clinical skills in critical care scenarios while fostering research capabilities. Fellows will spend 15 months focusing on research, which could involve clinical investigations or laboratory-based studies. The inclusion of specialized rotations, such as an anesthesiology month and a variety of electives, encourages a well-rounded education in pediatric care 5.

Clinical Rotations

At the heart of the fellowship is the opportunity to work at Children's of Mississippi at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi's only children's hospital. The facility includes a highly equipped pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric emergency room, and a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. Approximately 1,600 patients are admitted annually to the PICU, and there are over 400 pediatric cardiac surgeries performed each year. This environment provides fellows with diverse clinical experiences, from complex post-operative care to management of critical illnesses 4.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on research, with fellows working closely with faculty mentors to develop their own scientific projects. The program supports creative inquiries and administrative innovations aimed at quality improvement within the pediatric critical care setting. Participation in weekly educational conferences further prepares fellows for the American Board of Pediatrics subspecialty board examinations 6.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the fellowship is its support for a collaborative learning environment, where fellows interact regularly with attendings, advanced practice nurses, and nursing staff. Such teamwork facilitates a comprehensive approach to patient management and education, further enhancing the fellows' development as physician-scientists and educators 2.

Application Process

The fellowship participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and requires submission of applications via the AAMC's Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program invites applications from qualified candidates, including DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who have had a solid foundation in pediatric residency. Special consideration is typically given to candidates who have graduated in recent years; generally, applicants who graduated from medical school no more than five years prior are preferred. Candidates are expected to have no more than one failed attempt on their STEP exams.

In addition, the fellowship invites applications from individuals seeking visa sponsorship as the program can support H-1B visas for eligible candidates 3.

Fellow Life and Support

Fellows are encouraged to take part in moonlighting opportunities, particularly in the pediatric emergency department, pending program director approval. Such pursuits can offer additional clinical experiences while ensuring that training hours remain compliant with ACGME limits, capped at 80 hours per week including moonlighting 5. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for those looking for additional income or diverse clinical exposure.

Recent Graduates

Fellows completing the program have successfully pursued careers in a variety of prestigious institutions across the country, highlighting the fellowship’s reputation for cultivating highly competent pediatric critical care professionals. The program’s commitment to excellence is shown in the diverse paths taken by its alumni 7.