University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The UNM fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics is a comprehensive 3-year program accredited by ACGME, designed to prepare fellows for both clinical and academic careers centered around the prevention and treatment of family violence, neglect, and exploitation. This fellowship equips fellows with the necessary expertise to sit for the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) subspecialty certification upon completion of the training program. The fellowship takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is noted for its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry, creating a unique clinical learning environment that enhances the educational experience for fellows 1.

New Mexico is known for its strong reputation in education and quality improvement, and the University of New Mexico hosts various research opportunities through numerous designated centers, institutions, networks, and signature programs. This diverse setting provides fellows access to a broad range of experiences that are integral to their education 1.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship incorporates 24 months of clinical rotations primarily located in Albuquerque, which includes:

• 10 months of inpatient rotations
• 8 months of outpatient subspecialty rotations
• 6 ancillary months involving various specialties such as:
• Child/adolescent psychiatry
• Wrap-around programs for families dealing with substance use disorders
• Pediatric and neuro-radiology
• Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Forensic pathology
• Rural and indigenous child adversity (Gallup, NM)

Fellows are also responsible for responding to requests for inpatient consultations during alternating weekends and holidays, alongside telephone support obligations 1.

Educational Experience

Throughout the training, fellows partake in a series of didactic education sessions involving:

• Core sessions that encourage collaboration with fellows from other pediatric specialties
• Participation in a dedicated child abuse pediatrics journal club
• Multi-site didactic sessions and board preparation
• Multidisciplinary case review meetings with other professionals working in child abuse
• Training for legal testimony with mentoring support

Each fellow is supported to attend one national academic conference annually, providing exposure to broader networks and knowledge in the field 1.

Scholarly Activity

The program allocates a dedicated 12 months for research, quality improvement, and educational endeavors. During this time, fellows receive mentorship from experienced faculty, learning to design and conduct clinical research and quality improvement projects. A crucial expectation of the program includes the production of at least one scholarly product by the conclusion of fellowship training. Access to multidisciplinary research efforts is facilitated through the UNM Child Health Research Signature Program, the Child Health Grand Challenge, and more, providing a robust research framework for fellows 1.

Compensation and Benefits

Fellow salaries are competitive within the region. Additional support includes coverage for one national conference per year, which encompasses expenses for registration, travel, and lodging. Furthermore, fellows receive an annual professional development stipend intended for educational resources, such as books and membership dues 1.

Application Requirements

The fellowship program has one new fellow position available each year. Candidates must have completed 3 years of pediatric residency training from an ACGME accredited program before the fellowship's commencement. Individuals holding a J1 visa who have completed US pediatric residency training are eligible for consideration. Application requirements involve submitting several documents via the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS), including:

• Official medical school transcripts
• USMLE transcript
• Current photograph
• Personal statement
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• At least three letters of recommendation
• A valid ECFMG certificate for International Medical Graduates

Additionally, applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must supply a current copy of their visa. Suitable candidates will be invited for personal interviews which include discussions with program directors, faculty members, prospective research mentors, and current section fellows 1.

Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, as with many pediatric fellowship programs, but also values diversity and inclusion, aiming to accommodate eligible applicants from varied backgrounds including DO and IMG candidates. The fellowship welcomes foreign medical graduates with appropriate visas, emphasizing a broad and inclusive approach to selecting fellows 1.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports candidates on J1 visas who have completed their pediatric training in the United States. This inclusivity reflects the program's commitment to diversifying its cohort while facilitating a welcoming environment for international graduates 1.