University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The University of Pennsylvania Department of Emergency Medicine offers an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship that is ACGME-approved and is designed to cultivate leaders in the field of EMS. This one-year program is aimed at providing a comprehensive and diverse educational experience that spans various EMS delivery systems, including fire services, collegiate programs, volunteer organizations, mobile integrated health, and aviation care.

The fellowship benefits from the extensive resources and foundational support of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, integrating practical experience from urban settings in Philadelphia to rural care in Lancaster County.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The EMS Fellowship’s curriculum is structured to ensure a breadth of knowledge and practical skills essential for anyone aspiring to assume leadership roles within EMS. Fellows will engage in clinical rotations, direct patient care in diverse settings, educational programs for EMS personnel, and participation in community outreach initiatives.

Core components of the curriculum include rides along with medical units, incident response training, paramedic education, and prehospital addiction medicine initiatives, which are crucial in understanding the multifaceted nature of emergency medicine.

Training Sites

The program encompasses multiple EMS agencies to provide fellows with varying experiences:

• Philadelphia Fire Department: This is the largest fire department in Pennsylvania, handling over 275,000 EMS calls annually, providing extensive exposure to both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) interventions.
• Upper Merion Township EMS: Located in the community famous for King of Prussia, they handle about 4,000 calls per year, emphasizing wilderness EMS across Valley Forge National Historical Park.
• Malvern Fire Company EMS: Serving Malvern and neighboring regions, this fire-based service provides BLS and ALS, with a response volume of around 2,500-3,000 calls annually.
• Berwyn Fire Company and Radnor Fire Company: Both provide BLS and ALS services, with significant responses in their respective communities, correctly engaging fellows in diverse medical scenarios.
• Lancaster EMS: Serving a large residential area, Lancaster EMS utilizes a Community Paramedicine model to offer preventative healthcare services while managing approximately 40,000 annual EMS calls.
• PennSTAR: Known for critical care transport by ground and air, this integrated transport system operates 24/7, providing invaluable experience in high-stakes medical emergencies.
• CHOP Emergency Transport Program: This program focuses on the safe and expert transportation of pediatric patients, employing a range of transportation modalities for critically ill infants and children.

Application Process

Prospective fellows should prepare the following materials as part of the application process:

• Current curriculum vitae
• A cover letter detailing personal interest in EMS and the specific fellowship
• Three original letters of recommendation, with at least one from a recent program director

Applications for the EMS Fellowship will open for the academic year 2026-2027 on June 1, 2025.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship program is designed to be competitive and invites applications from both International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and US-based physicians. While specific statistical requirements such as maximum allowable failed exams on the USMLE are not publicized, a demonstrated commitment to emergency medicine, solid academic performance, and a strong background in clinical advocacy will significantly enhance the competitiveness of the application.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System offers visa sponsorship for qualified applicants, supporting both J-1 and H-1B visa types, thus broadening the accessibility of this esteemed fellowship to qualified international candidates.

Faculty and Leadership

The fellowship is supported by a diverse faculty with extensive experience and a commitment to education and research in EMS. Faculty members are involved in various aspects of emergency medicine, including education, clinical practice, and research. They serve not only as mentors to fellows but are also actively engaged in community health initiatives and regional emergency preparedness programs.

Fellowship Community

The program fosters a collaborative community atmosphere that encourages fellows to engage actively with both faculty and one another, sharing insights and experiences from their diverse training backgrounds. This environment is integral to developing a network of EMS professionals who are expected to lead and improve the future of EMS.