University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin offers a multi-faceted approach to training future leaders in neonatal-perinatal medicine. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to navigate both individual patient care as well as systemic health challenges. Emphasizing a compassionate, evidence-based, and inquisitive framework, the fellowship prepares physicians to excel in various areas vital to advanced clinical practice, including clinical care, research, management, and global health outreach 1.

Training Environment

Fellowship training primarily takes place at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, both located in Central Austin. The Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin features a 43-bed Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), focusing on antenatal consultation, high-risk delivery coordination, and the care of micropreemies. In 2025, the facility will expand its services to include an 86-bed Level III NICU as part of the Women’s Health Tower 1.

Dell Children’s Medical Center houses a 56-bed Level IV NICU catering to infants requiring advanced surgical and subspecialty care. The program's Comprehensive Fetal Care Center and Special Delivery Unit also facilitate complex care for infants with congenital anomalies 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to integrate interactive case studies, simulations, and a flipped classroom model that enhances hands-on skills training. First-year fellows begin with a four-week bootcamp that focuses on essential clinical and procedural skills, followed by weekly instructional sessions and diverse educational conferences 3.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations occur in four-week blocks across both Ascension Seton Medical Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center. Rotations are designed to provide fellows with comprehensive exposure to the natural history of neonatal conditions and include specific learning goals and continuous feedback mechanisms 2.

Research Opportunities

Dell Medical School emphasizes research as an essential component of the fellowship experience, offering fellows diverse avenues for scholarly activity. The program encourages research projects tailored to the fellows’ specific interests and career goals while emphasizing the importance of advocacy, global health, and quality improvement 1. Key research leadership includes Dr. Alan Groves and Dr. Davika Reid, who guide fellows in project selection and methodology 6.

Mentorship Program

Each fellow is paired with mentors for clinical, academic, and research oversight to ensure a smooth transition into fellowship training. Newly admitted fellows receive guidance for the first two months, and ongoing mentorship is provided throughout their training to facilitate individualized learning plans and professional development 5.

Competitiveness and Application Criteria

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship is known to be highly competitive. Eligible candidates must have completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited pediatric residency and possess an unrestricted medical license to practice in the U.S. Candidates who represent diverse training backgrounds, including international medical graduates, will find an inclusive application process. The fellowship adopts a holistic review of applications 2.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program is open to candidates requiring visa sponsorship. The specific types of visa sponsorship offered include J-1 and H-1B visas. All international candidates must meet the same academic and professional standards as domestic applicants, ensuring a fair selection process 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Beyond clinical training, the program uniquely integrates global health initiatives, leadership in advocacy, and pioneering educational practices, contributing to a well-rounded fellowship experience. Opportunities may include working with vulnerable populations in partnerships extending to countries such as Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala, and Egypt 4.

The faculty's active involvement in legislative initiatives and advocacy training also provides fellows with the necessary skills to emerge as future leaders in health policy and management 4.