University of Virginia Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center is a three-year training program aimed at nurturing future leaders in pediatric intensive care. The program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of critically ill and injured infants and children throughout Virginia and surrounding regions, fostering a strong commitment to collaborative medical care, education, and research.

The mission is executed through a curriculum that combines clinical training with research, offering a balanced approach where about half of the training focuses on clinical expertise and the other half on scholarly activities as mandated by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum aims to develop competencies in various domains vital to pediatric critical care. Trainees are expected to:

• Develop expertise in the complex care of critically ill children.
• Engage in research that enhances the understanding of disease mechanisms and therapies.
• Master procedural skills essential for pediatric critical care.
• Fulfill all ACGME core competencies and prepare for certification in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics.
• Enhance skills in data organization, analysis, and presentation.

Training and Rotations

The fellowship provides diverse clinical exposure, including:

• A 21-bed mixed Medical/Surgical/Cardiac ICU.
• Level 1 Trauma Center capabilities.
• Integrated experience in ECMO and mechanical support systems.
• Opportunities to engage in specialized pediatric programs such as renal and liver transplants.
• Engagement with pediatric surgical specialties including cardiac, neurosurgery, and orthopedics.

This extensive training helps prepare fellows for both academic and clinical success.

Research Opportunities

Trainees can pursue research activities in collaboration with various educational institutions, including the School of Medicine and the Children’s Health Research Center. The program emphasizes the importance of producing meaningful research output, which may include mentored projects under the supervision of a scholarship oversight committee. Research undertakings can focus on clinical, translational, or laboratory studies.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Virginia is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including those from DO and international medical graduate backgrounds. Specific application requirements are not outlined but generally include considerations such as recent graduation years and performance on standardized examinations. Those considering this program should be prepared to demonstrate a strong commitment to pediatric care and research.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, facilitating entry into the United States for those who meet the program's eligibility criteria. The types of visas available include the J-1 visa for exchange visitors and potentially H-1B visas for specialty occupations, depending on individual qualifications.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program stands out for several reasons:

• High admission volume of approximately 1,000 children annually, ensuring extensive clinical exposure.
• Inclusion of cardiac surgical cases facilitating advanced learning in a mixed unit structure.
• A supportive environment fostering strong relationships among fellows, faculty, and staff, contributing to both learning and personal growth.
• Access to a nationally recognized trauma center and a robust pediatric emergency department, enhancing the scope of training.

Fellow Experiences

Current fellows have shared their experiences, emphasizing the collaborative culture and the diversity of cases encountered in the fellowship. They appreciate the program's balance between clinical responsibilities and opportunities for autonomous learning. The commitment to training excellence is evident in the program's structure, faculty engagement, and continued support for fellow development.