University of Rochester Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Rochester provides an immersive and advanced training experience for pediatricians pursuing a career in neonatology. This three-year ACGME-accredited fellowship encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical exposure and academic opportunities, ensuring fellows are well-equipped for leadership roles in the neonatology field.

The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to training, allowing fellows to tailor their educational journey according to their professional aspirations. With a commitment to quality care and research, the fellowship is characterized by its rich history of cultivating future leaders in neonatology, many of whom have achieved national and international recognition.

Program Structure

Fellows engage in a variety of experiences at a regional perinatal center that features a 68-bed Level IV NICU and a Level II Special Care Unit, catering to a diverse patient population from a 15-county area in Western New York. This hands-on exposure ensures fellows practice exemplary family-centered care.

Eligibility and Application

To be considered for this fellowship, applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-certified pediatric residency program. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding a J-1 visa (the program does not sponsor individuals on H-1B visas). Aside from radiating clinical excellence, selection criteria hinge on outstanding residency performance, personal interviews, and compatibility of goals with the fellowship objectives.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements set by the American Board of Pediatrics and includes significant practical training, covering essential areas such as ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), inhaled nitric oxide, and various surgical subspecialties. In addition to clinical training, fellows are encouraged to participate in various research opportunities, spearheaded by multidisciplinary teams actively funded by organizations such as NIH.

Research and Mentorship

Fellows are given ample opportunities to engage in research activities aligned with their interests, supported by a robust faculty mentorship system. The program also emphasizes educational research and quality improvement, with fellows encouraged to pursue projects that will enhance their academic perspectives and research skills. An endowed research fellowship is accessible for those demonstrating a strong commitment to research during their training.

Educational Opportunities

Fellows have the chance to participate in educational programs where they can earn advanced degrees, benefiting from a 95% tuition reimbursement program. This unique feature allows fellows to seek master's programs in public health, business administration, and health professions education, among others, further enhancing their expertise for future endeavors.

Clinical Training

The clinical training component of the fellowship includes being the on-service clinician, with a structured rotation plan that includes significant time in the NICU along with pediatric cardiac intensive care. Each fellow will also have protected research time during their training, particularly concentrated in the second and third years.

Application Process

Applications are managed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with invitations for interviews extended based on application evaluation. The fellowship entails a competitive selection process, emphasizing the need for strong recommendation letters and a compelling personal statement that succinctly expresses the candidate's passion for neonatology and future career goals.

Life in Rochester

Living in Rochester offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable housing and access to numerous cultural and recreational activities. The city hosts an array of museums, festivals, and outdoor opportunities, contributing to a well-rounded living experience for fellows and their families.

Support for International Applicants

The program supports fellows on J-1 visas, making it accessible to a diverse group of candidates from around the globe. However, it is important to note that sponsorship for H-1B visas is not provided.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, attracting candidates from across the United States and abroad. It is friendly towards both allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) graduates, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Candidates with International Medical Graduate (IMG) status are also welcome, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive stipends in line with the University of Rochester's Graduate Medical Education policy, along with benefits that support their professional and personal wellbeing.