UPMC Medical Education Program

Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh encompass various opportunities aimed at developing specialized knowledge and skills necessary for addressing surgical diseases in infants and children. The program offers four distinct fellowships, each emphasizing unique aspects of pediatric surgical care.

Fellowship Opportunities

The program includes:

• Pediatric Surgery Fellowship: Aimed at cultivating expertise in surgical care for children, focusing on both pre-operative and post-operative management. Trainees will be immersed in multifaceted surgical procedures, including advanced minimally invasive techniques and managing complex cases.
• Pediatric Surgery International Fellowship: This program is designed for international fellows, allowing them to integrate into the Pediatric Surgery Training Program while participating in daily patient care and assisting in the operating room.
• Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship: This fellowship hones proficiency in managing critically ill surgical patients, addressing conditions that may range from extreme prematurity to adulthood.
• Pediatric Colorectal Surgery Fellowship: Focusing on specialized training in pediatric colorectal conditions, this program provides comprehensive surgical education and hands-on experience.
• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Fellowship: This program combines both investigative and clinical training, particularly in the management of congenital heart diseases as well as exposure to advanced cardiac surgical techniques.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum of the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship prepares fellows to fulfill the six core competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Each fellow will engage in various stages of care, assuming increasing responsibilities throughout their two-year training, which is divided into:

• Year 1: Serving as a junior fellow, alongside the chief fellow and experienced faculty, focusing on gaining fundamental surgical knowledge and technical skills.
• Year 2: Transitioning into the chief fellow role, where they will oversee patient care, manage teams, and facilitate learning among junior residents.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in diverse clinical rotations, including:

• Core Pediatric Surgery Service - Responsible for managing comprehensive care for surgical patients.
• Electives in Anesthesia, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
• Collaboration with various departments such as Nephrology, Trauma, and Burn Units, providing fellows with a holistic understanding of pediatric surgical practice.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Each fellow is encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, including identifying a research mentor early in the fellowship and developing a clinically relevant research project suitable for presentation and publication. The program fosters academic growth by facilitating participation in journal clubs and conferences.

Special Requirements for Application

Applicants for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at UPMC should have completed at least five years of general surgical residency training and may apply for the two-year fellowship at any PGY VI or higher level. Candidates are expected to possess an unrestricted medical license along with completion of USMLE Steps I, II, and III. Specific certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are also mandatory.

Visa Support

The program may provide visa sponsorship for applicants, supporting the employment of international medical graduates through employment visa types, allowing qualified candidates to gain the necessary training experience in the United States.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at UPMC Children’s Hospital is recognized as a highly competitive program, drawing applicants from various backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates, DOs, and international medical graduates (IMGs). The selection process is rigorous, reflecting the program's standards and commitment to training proficient pediatric surgeons.

Unique Aspects

The fellowship not only focuses on clinical skills but also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication with other healthcare professionals. This multi-faceted approach prepares fellows to undertake a leadership role in pediatric surgical care, advocating for patients and their families throughout their treatment journey.