University of Puerto Rico Program

Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program Overview

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program at the University of Puerto Rico is a three-year fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), focusing on training highly qualified pediatric critical care specialists. Established primarily to prepare future leaders in the field of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, the program features a comprehensive training regimen designed to ensure fellows become skilled clinicians, educators, and researchers.

The fellowship is made available through the Department of Pediatrics, operating primarily at the University Pediatric Hospital, which serves as the main clinical site. The program is directed by Dr. Ricardo L. García-De Jesus, with support from Dr. Alicia Fernandez Seín, the associate program director.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum spans three years and is designed to foster clinical excellence in diagnosing and managing critically ill children. The program incorporates a wide range of clinical responsibilities, research opportunities, and didactic sessions. The curriculum is continuously evaluated and updated based on the latest evidence-based medical practices and fellows’ feedback.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows spend approximately twelve months on the clinical Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) service and four months in the cardiothoracic care unit. Additional elective rotations may include trauma surgery, nephrology, anesthesia, and pulmonary medicine. The fellowship mandates participation in organized didactic programs and research projects.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship. Each fellow is encouraged to undertake at least one mentored research project, with ample opportunity to analyze current practices and engage in clinical inquiries relevant to pediatric critical care.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the University Pediatric Hospital, which houses a 12-bed Level I multidisciplinary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, responsible for a significant number of admissions each year. The program also utilizes the Centro Cardiovascular de Puerto Rico, the only pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit on the island, which offers advanced care following cardiothoracic procedures.

Program Goals

By the end of the fellowship, trainees are expected to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and clinical skills in pediatric critical care.
• Complete at least one research project and develop proficiency in scholarly activities.
• Understand and implement evidence-based practices in pediatric care.
• Fulfill all requirements for board certification in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.
• Develop leadership skills necessary to effectively manage a pediatric critical care unit.

Eligibility and Application Process

Prospective candidates must have completed a pediatric residency program and should be bilingual in English and Spanish. Research experience is highly recommended. Applications are accepted through ERAS, with all required materials submitted by the specified deadline, including the NRMP application form, USMLE scores, a Dean's letter, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Candidates with foreign medical degrees must also provide a valid ECFMG certificate and medical school diploma.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program provides visa support for eligible international medical graduates. Common visa types sponsored include the J-1 exchange visitor visa and the H-1B specialty occupation visa, ensuring that international candidates can pursue their training without immigration hurdles.

Program Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered competitive, as it seeks candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to pediatric critical care. While the program is friendly towards applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates, being fully bilingual in English and Spanish is a requirement.

Unique Program Features

A distinctive aspect of the fellowship is the involvement of fellows in curriculum development and ongoing program evaluation, empowering them to have a voice in their educational experience. Regular faculty meetings foster an environment of collaborative learning and continuous improvement.

Stipends and Benefits

The salary for fellows is based on the guidelines from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine GME office, which reviews annually to ensure competitiveness.