Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a comprehensive three-year ACGME-accredited training program designed to develop proficient pediatric intensivists. This program emphasizes an environment that encourages collegial scholarship and apprenticeship, nurturing the critical traits necessary for practitioners in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. These include empathy, diversity, respect, professionalism, scholarly inquiry, clinical excellence, and effective leadership, which are essential for successful practice in this demanding field 1.

One of the key aspects of the fellowship program is the integration of clinical training, which spans 15 months, during which fellows rotate between the medical/surgical critical care unit and the cardiac critical care unit. This structure allows fellows to engage deeply in the management of critically ill pediatric patients while developing leadership skills under the supervision of experienced faculty. There are robust faculty-led oversight and comprehensive 24-hour in-house attending coverage across multiple teams (two CVICU and three PICU teams), ensuring that fellows receive ample support and resources during their learning phases 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the fellowship is meticulously designed to provide exposure to a wide range of pediatric physiology and illness. Fellows undergo a broad array of experiences, fostering not only clinical skills but also critical thinking necessary for appropriate management decisions in complex cases 1.

Research Training

In addition to clinical training, research training plays a crucial role within the fellowship program. Fellows engage in a core curriculum consisting of lectures focused on research fundamentals such as study design and data analysis. Research opportunities at Vanderbilt are extensive, enabling collaboration with knowledgeable faculty and access to the Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR). During the 36 months of fellowship, fellows can expect to have 18 months dedicated entirely to scholarly activity 3.

Additional Academic Opportunities

The program also supports fellows seeking advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation or a Master of Public Health, through T32 Research Training Grants. This opportunity allows selected fellows to pursue their academic interests while obtaining the necessary tools to advance in research and clinical settings 3.

Application Process

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application period opens from July 15 to October 1, with interviews scheduled from August to November. To be eligible for application, candidates should be Board Eligible or Board Certified in Pediatrics or Medicine-Pediatrics and submit their updated CV, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, medical school transcript, and USMLE/COMLEX transcripts for Steps 1-3. Additionally, ECFMG certification may be required for international medical graduates 2.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants and accepts fellows on a J1 visa status. This ensures that qualified international medical graduates have the opportunity to apply and participate in this prestigious fellowship training 2.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Admission into the Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship is competitive, and strong emphasis is placed on the holistic review of each application. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early and should be prepared for the selection committee's detailed evaluation process. Prior experiences, academic achievements, and personal statements are vital components of the assessment 2.