University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Child Abuse Pediatric Fellowship Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a three-year accredited fellowship aimed at training pediatricians to become leaders in the detection, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Established in 2018, this program is located in Dallas, a vibrant and diverse metroplex, offering fellows a rich environment for training and professional development.

The core mission of the program is to restore, promote, and enhance both the medical and mental health of children who are at risk of abuse or neglect. This is achieved through a multidisciplinary approach involving a diverse team including physicians, advanced practice nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists involved in child protection.

Curriculum Overview

Fellows are immersed in a comprehensive curriculum designed to fulfill the six core competencies defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). These competencies include:

• Medical Knowledge
• Patient Care
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Systems-based Practice

The program offers one fellowship position every other year and is tailored to ensure that each fellow is adequately prepared for board certification in child abuse pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. Training occurs primarily at renowned institutions such as Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, a 490-bed pediatric hospital known for its responsive and integrated approach to care.

Research Opportunities

UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized as a leading research institution in the nation. The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful research activities aimed at enhancing knowledge and practices related to child maltreatment. By collaborating with faculty and fellow researchers, trainees can explore topics of interest that impact child welfare and medical practice.

Collaborations and Exposure

Fellows work closely with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, one of the longest-standing centers focused on child advocacy in the country. This engagement offers an invaluable perspective on the collaborative nature of addressing child abuse, allowing fellows to interact not just with pediatric professionals but also with legal, social, and community advocates.

This experience is integral to developing the skills necessary for effective team leadership and collaborative care in complex cases of child maltreatment.

Application Process and Special Requirements

The fellowship program has an open position every other year and participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for recruitment. Applications are processed electronically through the American Medical Colleges’ Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Importantly, the program is open only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or candidates with J-1 ECFMG sponsored visas. Notably, UT Southwestern does not sponsor H-1B visas, which could limit some non-traditional applicants.

The program evaluates applications strictly based on academic performance, training background, and overall fit for the fellowship.

Training Goals

The goals of the fellowship are to:

• Encourage compassionate advocacy for children.
• Develop professionalism and leadership skills among trainees.
• Enhance medical knowledge about various forms of maltreatment.
• Provide comprehensive understanding of the multidisciplinary team involved in child protection.
• Educate fellows in evidence-based medicine and quality assurance practices.
• Prepare trainees for certification by the American Board of Pediatrics.

By emphasizing a comprehensive educational framework that includes patient care, medical education, and continuous improvement, the Child Abuse Pediatric Fellowship at UT Southwestern aims to create well-rounded specialists who are fully equipped to address the complex issues surrounding child abuse.