University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at University of North Carolina Hospitals focuses on training pediatric hospitalists to provide high-quality, family-centered care across various settings. It encompasses a two-year program with an emphasis on clinical experience, academic teaching, research, and administrative competencies.

Program Mission and Structure

The mission of the program is to develop leaders in pediatric hospital medicine who advocate for health equity and improve care for children. Fellows are trained primarily at North Carolina Children’s Hospital, which ranks among the best children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The facility is a Level 1 pediatric trauma center and hosts a diverse range of pediatric subspecialists to provide comprehensive care to hospitalized children 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship's curriculum is intricately designed to blend clinical training with educational experiences. In the first year, fellows are immersed in various pediatric teaching services, including nephrology and complex care, with a focus on enhancing clinical leadership and bedside teaching skills during family-centered rounds. Specialized rotations enrich their competencies further through exposure to supportive care, sedation, and administrative experiences 1.

In the second year, fellows have opportunities to tailor their clinical experiences according to their interests, participating in community hospital medicine and handling cases on an attending-only hospitalist service. Electives in pediatric ICU and infectious diseases are strongly encouraged to broaden their clinical exposure 3.

Focus on Research and Scholarly Activity

A significant component of the fellowship includes a structured approach to scholarly activities expected of all fellows. Trainees are guided through an introductory rotation to develop their scholarly projects, which should culminate in a publication or presentation. The curriculum includes rigorous training in evidence-based medicine, research methodology, and quality improvement initiatives 1.

Educational Environment and Mentorship

The fellowship promotes a strong academic atmosphere where fellows actively engage in teaching and curricula development. They contribute to journal clubs, case reviews, and morbidity and mortality conferences, fostering an environment of peer education and support. Fellows are mentored by a diverse faculty aimed at fostering skills in medical education, patient safety, and operational management 2.

Administrative Leadership Training

Fellows also undergo administrative leadership training, gaining insights into hospital operations, committee work, and best practices through shadowing opportunities with high-level administrators. This exposure equips them to tackle healthcare challenges from a managerial perspective 3.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants to the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship must be graduates of an ACGME-accredited pediatrics or medicine-pediatrics residency program. They should be board-eligible or certified in General Pediatrics. The program accepts applications via the ERAS system, requiring a CV and letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director 2.

Visa sponsorship is limited to applicants eligible for a J-1 Visa through the ECFMG. The application timeline aligns with the NRMP match schedule, allowing for remote interviews commencing from August 2.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship is competitive, welcoming graduates from both MD and DO backgrounds, and is considered friendly toward International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program values diversity and inclusion, featuring initiatives geared towards underrepresented groups in medicine 3.

Program's Unique Features

Some distinctive elements of the fellowship include a commitment to quality improvement and medical education, with structured mentorship programs aimed at nurturing leaders in pediatric hospital medicine. Fellows attend at least one to two national conferences per year to further enhance their professional development and networking opportunities 1.

Team and Alumni Network

The faculty comprises experienced pediatricians who are dedicated to education and mentorship, creating a supportive network for fellows. Alumni of the program reflect a strong commitment to medical education and quality improvement in various healthcare settings, underscoring the program’s commitment to producing competent pediatric hospitalists 2.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at UNC Hospitals provides comprehensive training, emphasizing clinical skills, academic development, and research, thus preparing fellows to excel in leadership roles and effect meaningful improvements in pediatric care completed at a highly regarded institution.