University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is dedicated to delivering specialized emergency care to severely ill and injured children in New Mexico. The program is committed to enhancing pediatric emergency medicine training, collaborating with rural clinical sites to prepare for pediatric emergencies, and advancing research to improve pediatric emergency care.

The University of New Mexico Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) serves as the state’s sole dedicated pediatric emergency department and is recognized as a Level 1 Trauma center. Annually, the PED treats around 25,000 children and operates continuously, providing essential medical services day and night.

Clinical Care Environment

The PED consists of 12 physical beds and is staffed with a dedicated team including pediatric emergency medicine attending physicians, fellows, residents, and nurses. This team is focused on delivering quality care to children and employs telemedicine to extend consultations to rural areas across New Mexico, enhancing access to emergency pediatric care for underserved populations 1.

Training Program Structure

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship at the University of New Mexico is accredited and designed for physicians who are board-eligible in Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine. The fellowship program accepts two trainees each year, emphasizing competency and comprehensive training in treating acutely ill children.

Furthermore, fellows participate in the Child Ready outreach initiative, enhancing their community engagement and experience. They also benefit from robust partnerships with the Emergency Medicine Residency, gaining exposure to the EMS Consortium, the Center for Disaster Medicine, Wilderness Medicine, and additional training in trauma management and ultrasound techniques 1.

Resident Rotations and Medical Student Electives

Residents in Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine gain valuable experience through rotations supported by the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, which also offers a unique “acting fellowship” for interested third-year internal pediatric residents. These rotations last four weeks and provide an essential foundation in pediatric emergency care 1.

The program also offers month-long electives for fourth-year medical students from the University of New Mexico and other institutions. Students work closely with PEM fellows and attending physicians to sharpen their skills in history-taking, physical examinations, and patient management, fostering their expertise in pediatric emergency medicine 1.

Child Ready Initiative

The New Mexico EMS for Children (EMSC) Child Ready Initiative is an integral component of the Division’s outreach efforts. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and tribal communities in treating acutely ill or injured children. The program focuses on establishing quality care, continuity of care, and injury prevention 2.

Research Opportunities

The Division prioritizes research in pediatric emergency medicine, with faculty and fellows actively participating in various studies. Research topics have included community preparedness, anti-venom efficacy, family perceptions in respiratory distress, and telemedicine's role in pediatric care. Faculty members are also engaged in vital academic interests, including simulation and resuscitation techniques, trauma imaging, and telehealth applications 1.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program supports visa sponsorships, offering assistance for J-1 and H-1B visas for international graduates eager to train in the pediatric emergency medicine field. The program is known to be competitive, seeking candidates who are not only academically proficient but also exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills. DO and IMG candidates are welcomed and encouraged to apply, broadening the diversity and experience of the fellowship cohort.

Application Requirements

Applicants should note that specific eligibility criteria must be met. Generally, candidates prefer to have no more than one failed STEP exam during their medical training. Graduation from medical school typically should occur within the past few years, ensuring that entrants possess contemporary knowledge and skills suitable for the fast-paced environment of pediatric emergency medicine.