University of Rochester Medical Center Program

Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship Program Overview

The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center is designed to expand knowledge and expertise in the management of acute and chronic respiratory diseases in infants, children, and adolescents. The fellowship aims to cultivate independent investigators and effective educators while producing exceptional subspecialists in pediatric pulmonology.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the program encompasses several key objectives:1

• Develop expert clinical caring strategies for children with respiratory disorders.
• Equip fellows with the scientific skills necessary for independent research funding.
• Instill a solid knowledge base for teaching fundamental lung function and clinical care.
• Enhance administrative and time management skills to promote professional development.

Clinical Education and Training Environment

The program is situated within the New Golisano Children's Hospital, an advanced facility that emphasizes quality pediatric health care, allowing fellows to engage with a diverse patient population. The pediatric intensive care unit is the largest pediatric critical care service in western and central New York, treating over 800 children annually.1

Unique Educational Opportunities

Fellows have the chance to participate in a combined medicine-pediatrics curriculum that enables dual certification in pediatric pulmonology and critical care medicine upon completion.1

Fellows are also afforded the opportunity to explore fellowship in sleep medicine, working alongside national experts dealing with sleep disorders in pediatric populations.

Research and Funding

Research is a cornerstone of the pediatric pulmonology fellowship. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in clinical studies focusing on diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other respiratory issues.1 The division offers funding opportunities for fellows conducting research, and there is support for pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, with 95% of tuition costs covered by the University.1

Administrative Support and Mentorship

The program director plays an active role in mentoring fellows throughout their training. They are involved in scholarship oversight committees to help develop each fellow's research portfolio. Regular meetings with departmental leadership are established to ensure adequate support and guidance in fellows' clinical and research endeavors.1

Competitive Application Process

The fellowship program primarily accepts candidates who have completed an ACGME accredited residency in pediatrics or internal medicine/pediatrics. Qualified candidates must have U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or J-1 visa status for eligibility, as no other visa types are accepted.1 The selection process is competitive, thus applicants are expected to demonstrate extensive clinical skills, research experience, and recommendations from recognized faculty.

Living and Training in Rochester

Rochester is known for its welcoming community, modern facilities, and commitment to health care excellence. The Golisano Children's Hospital specifically enhances the educational experience by providing state-of-the-art technological and clinical resources to aid in fellows' training and growth. This environment is conducive to collaboration across various pediatric specialties, enriching the fellowship experience.1

Visa Support and Types

The program offers support for J-1 visa sponsorship only. Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status if they wish to apply.

Rotations, Curriculum, and Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is structured over a three-year period, which is ACGME accredited. During this time, fellows will engage in extensive outpatient and inpatient rotations, allowing them to build comprehensive expertise in pediatric pulmonary conditions.1 The curriculum is designed to promote hands-on clinical experience complemented by didactic learning opportunities.

Professional Development Opportunities

Each fellow has access to funds for attending national conferences, which is pivotal for professional networking and presentation skill enhancement.1