University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a newly established program accredited by the ACGME in 2024. Its mission is to cultivate high-quality, evidence-based, and efficient care for the children of Oklahoma. The program aims to develop a diverse cohort of physicians dedicated to lifelong learning and growth within the practice of Pediatric Hospital Medicine. Fellows are encouraged to reflect with program leadership and mentors, allowing them to tailor their education through an individualized curriculum that aligns with their interests and career goals related to this specialty.

Graduates of the fellowship are prepared to practice in various environments, including community hospitals and academic institutions, where they can engage in clinical care, research, education, and advocacy 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is robust and designed to provide a foundational understanding of pediatric care. Key training sites include Oklahoma Children's Hospital, which is a comprehensive tertiary facility with 348 beds, accommodating a wide spectrum of pediatric patients from routine cases to complex chronic medical issues. Fellows will be involved in surgical co-management, newborn care, palliative care, intensive care, and procedural sedation 2.

In addition to Oklahoma Children's Hospital, fellows will spend time at:

• Norman Regional Healthplex: Located 17 miles from Oklahoma City, this community hospital conducts around 400 pediatric admissions annually, primarily featuring lower acuity cases. Fellows will act as the primary contact for referring emergency departments and will oversee general pediatric patients.
• Bethany Children’s Health Center: Known for its expertise in pediatric rehabilitation, this center provides inpatient and outpatient services, presenting fellows with the chance to engage with complex care patients in various units dedicated to specialized treatment.

The fellowship has a structured approach in two years:

Year One

• Hospital Medicine (8 weeks)
• Newborn Care (4 weeks)
• Pediatric Intensive Care/Procedural Sedation (4 weeks)
• Community Hospital Medicine (4 weeks)
• Electives (12 weeks)
• Research (16 weeks): Working with a research mentor, fellows will develop a scholarly project, encouraged to present their findings in various forums.

Year Two

• Hospital Medicine (8 weeks)
• Complex Care (4 weeks)
• Electives (20 weeks)
• Research (16 weeks): Fellows will focus on finalizing a scholarly product for publication.

Fellows will also benefit from a series of didactic conferences, including PHM Fellow Lecture Series, Pediatric Subspecialty Fellows Conference, and Pediatric Grand Rounds, providing comprehensive educational exposure throughout the fellowship.

Faculty and Staff

The fellowship is supported by dedicated faculty from the Department of Pediatrics. This collaborative environment allows fellows to learn from experienced professionals while developing their research and clinical skills. The faculty includes certified pediatric specialists, clinical professors, and experienced hospitalists who actively engage in teaching and mentorship roles 3.

Salary and Benefits

Fellowships include a competitive salary structure that for FY2024-2025, reflects:

• PGY-4: $69,299
• PGY-5: $72,941

Fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical and Basic Dental Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Vacation and Educational Leave
• Travel support for meetings
• Protection for study time related to Pediatric Board examinations

This extensive array of benefits underscores the program’s commitment to the well-being and professional development of its fellows 4.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international graduates. It can sponsor J-1 visas, which are typically available for fellows pursuing training. This allows for an inclusive environment welcoming applicants from various backgrounds seeking advanced training in Pediatric Hospital Medicine.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants including both DO and IMG candidates. Special application requirements include consideration of the date of graduation and possible failed STEP exams which may apply in determining eligibility. The program seeks to assess candidates holistically, emphasizing dedication and potential contributions to the field of pediatric medicine.