University of Utah Health Program

Welcome to the University of Utah Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship program. Established in the early 1970s, the program aims to develop neonatologists capable of providing evidence-based clinical care to a diverse array of neonatal patients. Training encompasses not only clinical duties but also comprehensive academic skills that promote advancements in neonatology through basic science, translational, and clinical research.

Program Structure

The fellowship is structured over three years. Out of these, 12 months are dedicated to intensive clinical experience within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), while the remaining 24 months are allocated for research projects, clinical duties, educational opportunities, and involvement in various administrative responsibilities. This configuration offers fellows a well-rounded experience, preparing them for clinical practice as well as research-focused careers.

Clinical Experience

Fellows primarily gain clinical experience in the Level IV NICU at Primary Children’s Hospital and the Level III NICU at the University of Utah Hospital. Additionally, there are opportunities for second- and third-year fellows to rotate in the Level III NICU at Intermountain Medical Center. These rotations ensure exposure to a diverse group of patients, including numerous premature infants and complex congenital anomalies, with additional encounters involving a variety of surgical cases such as general, neurosurgical, urologic, ENT, ophthalmologic, and cardiothoracic.

The NICU at Primary Children’s Hospital is the only Level IV facility within Utah, providing essential services and specialized care for complex medical conditions. Neonatal ECMO is a significant highlight of the training where fellows have the chance to collaborate with surgical teams. Moreover, the University of Utah NICU provides crucial care for infants referred for prenatal identified congenital conditions.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship prioritizes the development of strong research skills, with fellows expected to engage in various quality improvement projects alongside primary research. Access to a broad network of mentors across the Department of Pediatrics supports fellows in pursuing their unique research interests. All fellows are also involved in several quality improvement initiatives backed by the Division of Neonatology.

Curriculum Overview

The educational curriculum consists of core components that all fellows are required to participate in, such as scholarly activity, biostatistics, and scientific writing. Regular educational conferences and specialized discussions are aimed at deepening knowledge in neonatology and enhancing teaching capabilities. Weekly meetings are held that include case reviews, followed by didactic sessions focused on current and relevant topics in the field.

Fellows may also choose specific research pathways during their tenure which correlates with their academic and research interests, including laboratory and clinical/translational pathways. The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates will be well-prepared for any career type they choose, whether that is purely in clinical practice or heavily focused on research aspects.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical responsibilities evolve across the three-year fellowship, with an emphasis on increasing independence over time. Each fellow's clinical experience genres range from neonatology, primarily in the NICUs, to management of high-risk pregnancies and participation in various academic conferences. In addition to regular NICU rotations, fellows are engaged in consultations and serve as medical control during neonatal transport services.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive stipends for fellows are provided, with additional support available for expenses such as travel to scientific meetings where fellows are presenting. Comprehensive benefits further enhance the overall fellowship experience.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program offers visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visa types, to international medical graduates. All applicants must meet particular requirements, including a completed ERAS application, USMLE scores for Steps I, II, and III, letters of recommendation, and notarized proof of graduation from medical school.

Competitiveness

The University of Utah Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming a range of applicants including those who are international medical graduates (IMGs) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates.