University of Mississippi Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is an immersive program that provides comprehensive training in pediatric emergency medicine. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for medical professionals to enhance their skills in managing acute pediatric conditions, as it serves a diverse patient population at Mississippi’s only children's hospital. The program has been established since 2016 and currently admits two fellows annually, thus providing a personalized training experience with ample exposure to a high volume of pediatric emergencies.

Each year, the medical facility treats over 48,000 children, providing fellows with a broad spectrum of clinical experiences. The fellowship encompasses rotations across various pediatric emergency services, including the Col. Harland Sanders Children's Emergency Department and the Selby and Richard McRae Children's Trauma Unit, both of which operate 24/7. Fellows are part of a collaborative healthcare team including board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians, emergency medicine specialists, and general pediatricians. Access to pediatric subspecialists for consultations enhances the learning environment.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship structure features a well-defined curriculum that evolves from traditional calendar month rotations to more adaptive 2 or 4-week blocks. Clinical duties primarily consist of shift work within the pediatric emergency and trauma care settings, ensuring fellows gain substantial practical experience while adhering to ACGME duty hour regulations. In addition, fellows will take on overnight call every fourth night in intensive care and pediatric inpatient settings, thereby progressively enhancing their clinical responsibilities.

A key aspect of the fellowship is the opportunity to engage in research, where fellows collaborate closely with faculty mentors to devise basic science or clinical projects. This focus on research and discovery is complemented by a commitment to education through tailored weekly educational conferences aimed at optimizing subspecialty board preparation. Moreover, fellows are encouraged to participate in administrative and quality improvement initiatives, fostering skill development in systems-based practices.

Educational Activities

The fellowship places significant emphasis on structured educational activities to foster professional development. Central to this is the PEM Fellow Didactic Conference held weekly, which offers protected time for lectures, simulation training, and procedural competencies. Monthly morbidity and mortality conferences are also integral to the fellowship, allowing fellows to refine their analytical skills by participating in case discussions.

The program also participates in journal clubs, which are held quarterly, enhancing fellows' critical appraisal skills through in-depth discussions of relevant literature. The curriculum further includes pediatric fellowship core lectures and research-oriented sessions designed to equip fellows with foundational skills in conducting human-subjects research, all crucial elements in developing a well-rounded pediatric emergency physician.

Salaries and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance options with minimal personal costs for the fellow. Professional liability coverage is provided without charge, protecting fellows during their training activities. Additionally, fellows are entitled to three weeks of vacation per academic year, with opportunities for moonlighting available upon program director approval, following a satisfactory evaluation after the first clinical competency committee meeting.

Application Information

To apply for this fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in pediatrics, internal medicine/pediatrics, or emergency medicine, and be board certified or board eligible by the time they begin their fellowship. Foreign-trained applicants need to convert to a J1 visa and submit applications through ERAS, with a completion deadline of November 1. The fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), accepting two fellows annually.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for foreign-trained applicants, specifically through the issuance of J1 visas, ensuring that international physicians have the opportunity to participate in this highly sought-after fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is characterized by competitive admissions. Applicants are required to present robust application components, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The program's criteria ensure a fair and comprehensive review of each applicant, contributing to a diverse training environment that respects the contributions of both US and international medical graduates.