University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program

The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship program in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, which is fully accredited by the ACGME. This program is designed to equip fellows with both robust clinical training as well as foundational skills for engaging in basic and clinical research within the field of neonatology.

Clinical Training

Clinical facilities of the program include a premier Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which recently transitioned to private and semi-private rooms, providing an optimal environment for newborn care. The NICU admits over 800 patients annually and is supported by a delivery service that facilitates more than 7000 births each year. In addition, a dedicated neonatal transport program and an ECMO program enhance the clinical experience available to fellows 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellows engage in various rotations throughout their training, which allows for exposure to antenatal consultations, delivery room resuscitations, and complex procedural skills. The curriculum includes both inpatient and outpatient experiences, collaborating closely with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and pediatric residents. This multidisciplinary approach fosters not only medical knowledge but also collaborative teamwork, essential for modern healthcare delivery 2.

Moreover, fellows participate actively in the teaching of pediatric residents, gradually taking on more responsibility for managing NICU rounds. Each fellow is expected to complete a research project during their fellowship, which they will present in the neonatology division for feedback. This emphasis on research and continuous education ensures that fellows are well-prepared to become leaders in the field of neonatal medicine 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, with support from faculty mentors. Fellows begin the inquiry process in their first year, submitting proposals for review and support from the neonatology division. Additionally, the program encourages fellows to engage in yearly quality improvement projects, which are presented at an annual conference 4.

Conferences and Educational Resources

The fellowship includes a robust schedule of educational conferences. Weekly board review sessions engage fellows in discussions covering a multitude of topics, enhancing their medical acumen. Monthly conferences allow fellows to present challenging cases, engage in morbidity and mortality discussions, and participate in evidence-based journal clubs. This consistent dialogue and analysis of cases reinforce critical thinking and application of knowledge in real-world scenarios 5.

Visa Support

The program accepts international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides sponsorship for J-1 visas. It is important for applicants to possess a valid ECFMG certificate upon applying, and to have graduated from medical school within three years of application unless they are enrolled in an ACGME accredited training program or serving in the U.S. military 6.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency and be qualified to apply for a full medical license in Texas. The program accepts only those applications submitted through ERAS, and emphasizes the need for three letters of recommendation along with a CV and a copy of the medical school diploma 7.

Competitiveness

The UTMB fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive, striving for candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a passion for pediatric care and research. The incorporation of multiple clinical and educational experiences aims to foster well-rounded fellows who are prepared for future challenges in their medical careers 8.

Stipend and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary that is commensurate with national standards, along with comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement program, and a stipend for continuing education. They also benefit from the robust support of a dedicated faculty that is instrumental in their educational and professional development. Vacation days and sick leave are allotted to ensure work-life balance and well-being during the fellowship 9.