University of Mississippi School of Medicine Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) offers a comprehensive and robust training program designed for physicians pursuing advanced education and specialization in neonatology. This ACGME-accredited fellowship program is situated within the Department of Pediatrics in Jackson, Mississippi, and is noted for its commitment to high-quality clinical care, research, and education.

Program Structure

The fellowship consists of an extensive curriculum that encompasses clinical rotations, educational opportunities, and research initiatives. The program is structured over three years, with fellows engaging in an array of experiences to develop competencies in neonatal care.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows benefit from hands-on experience in a variety of rotation settings. This includes the only Level IV NICU in Mississippi located at Children’s of Mississippi, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a range of services such as high-frequency ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, brain cooling, and ECMO. The NICU accommodates 30 beds at Wiser Hospital and 92 beds within Sanderson Tower, which allows fellows to encounter diverse and complex pediatric cases, engaging in both medical and surgical subspecialties, from pediatric surgery to cardiovascular surgery 1.

The fellowship program encourages clinical exposure in other specialized areas, including the maternal-fetal medicine service and a developmental follow-up clinic, providing fellows with the experience necessary for comprehensive patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration 1.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research, offering fellows numerous opportunities to engage in various forms of investigation. This includes basic science, clinical, and translational research, often tailored to the individual interests of the fellows. The research faculty at UMMC are well-established, with a strong background in neonatal research, particularly focusing on brain injury and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Additionally, a dedicated statistician collaborates with fellows to enhance their research projects, ensuring that scholarly activities contribute positively to neonatal care practices 1.

Educational Environment

The educational environment is enriched with weekly fellowship lecture series, transport conferences, journal clubs, and case presentations, fostering an atmosphere that prioritizes collaborative learning and continuous improvement. Fellows are expected to participate in teaching activities and contribute to the curriculum, gaining not only knowledge but also pedagogical skills vital for academic careers 4.

Fellowship Goals and Objectives

The overarching goal of the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at UMMC is to cultivate skilled pediatricians adept at delivering family-centered, evidence-based care. Fellows are trained to engage in quality improvement initiatives, develop research methodologies, and apply scientific principles to clinical practice. This comprehensive training emphasizes the implementation of effective patient care strategies while fostering professionalism, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration 8.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program recognizes the contributions of international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship, primarily for J-1 visas. Given the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion, it aims to be both DO-friendly and IMG-friendly, assessing candidates based on their clinical competence and commitment to neonatology 1.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants should have completed an accredited residency program in pediatrics. The program is competitive, but it actively encourages applications from a broad range of candidates, including those who may have faced challenges during their training, provided they demonstrate resilience and a strong commitment to the field of neonatal medicine. Specific criteria concerning prior examinations are not typically enforced, allowing for a more inclusive selection process 1.

Awards and Recognitions

The fellowship strives for academic excellence, with fellows being recognized for their scholarship and contributions. Several awards are bestowed upon fellows for their research, including recognition at regional and national conferences, which highlights the program's dedication to fostering an environment that encourages scholarly activities and professional development 3.