University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship Program at McGovern Medical School aims to train pediatricians as leaders in clinical, academic, educational, community, and administrative facets of Child Abuse Pediatrics. This ABP-accredited three-year fellowship integrates a robust clinical curriculum, research opportunities, and specialized training in child protection.

Fellowship training encompasses a busy inpatient consult service, outpatient child protection clinic, and a dedicated research component. The program has a strong emphasis on developing skills necessary to address and manage cases of child maltreatment, including training in forensic pathology, behavior/development, advocacy, and coordinated multi-disciplinary team interactions 1.

Training and Clinical Experience

The clinical training at the fellowship includes inpatient evaluations at the Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, which is a Level I pediatric trauma center. Fellows gain valuable experience managing inpatient hospital consultations and participate in outpatient child protection services through the CARE Clinic. This clinic is pivotal for providing medical assessments and ongoing care to children victims of abuse and those in foster care 4.

In the first year (PGY 4), fellows are primarily responsible for inpatient consultations and outpatient clinic responsibilities, ensuring adequate preparation for subsequent years of training. In each subsequent year, fellows are exposed to various specialties vital to child abuse pediatrics, including forensic pathology, rehabilitation, and child psychiatry 3.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship incorporates a detailed rotation schedule that balances clinical exposure with scholarly activities. Key training sites include:

• Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital
• CARE Clinic
• Harris Health System LBJ Hospital
• Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
• Forensic Nursing and Rehabilitation facilities
• Children’s Assessment Center

These affiliations allow fellows to develop a comprehensive understanding of the medical, mental health, legal, and policy dimensions linked to child maltreatment 1.

Research Activities

Research is a fundamental aspect of this fellowship, with fellows expected to dedicate at least 12 months to scholarly activities over the program's duration. The program offers a structured pathway for fellows to engage in hypothesis-driven research encompassing clinical projects, meta-analyses, quality improvement initiatives, and educational curriculum design. Fellows also participate in the Clinical Research Education courses provided by the Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine 8.

Academic Activities

The fellowship program provides various academic activities to enhance during training, including:

• CAP Fellows' Lecture Series
• Mock Trial Sessions
• Case Review Conferences
• Morbidity and Mortality Meetings
• Journal Club and Literature Review Sessions

This structured academic framework ensures that fellows are well-versed in the essential competencies and scholarly requirements for their professional development in child abuse pediatrics 2.

Application Process

The program accepts applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants should be board-certified or eligible in general pediatrics. The program is competitive, with a single position available for each academic year, and promotes diversity and equality in the selection process. Special application requirements may include recent graduation from residency and acceptable performance on board examinations 5.

Visa Support and Eligibility

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, typically supporting J-1 visas. The program is friendly to both DO and IMG applicants, provided they meet the necessary qualifications and have completed the required training in general pediatrics 6.

Unique Features and Benefits

The fellowship at McGovern Medical School stands out due to its inter-disciplinary educational environment, combining elements from diverse areas such as psychiatry, public health, and forensic science. This integrated approach places fellows on the forefront of addressing child safety and maltreatment issues within a comprehensive care framework. The program also boasts a high board certification passage rate for pediatric fellows 7.