Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate highly skilled clinicians in the field of pediatric emergency medicine. This fellowship is a two- to three-year training program conducted at VCU Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR). The program received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2016, assessing and ensuring the quality of training provided.

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to develop fellows into outstanding clinicians who are committed to advancing pediatric emergency medicine through leadership, research, and education. The dedication to providing a comprehensive educational curriculum is underpinned by a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The curriculum includes didactic sessions and simulation training that covers a breadth and depth of pediatric emergency medicine topics, enhancing fellows' clinical knowledge, diagnostic, and critical reasoning skills, all while addressing resilience and wellness in their practice. The objective is to generate resilient, innovative leaders and educational scholars ready to navigate the continuously evolving landscape of medicine and patient care 1.

Clinical Setting

The fellowship provides an advantageous clinical setting, rotating through Virginia's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which is also the sole facility in the Commonwealth certified by the American College of Surgeons for adult, pediatric, and burn care. The emergency department (ED) functions as the hospital's tertiary referral center, servicing an average of 24,000 patients annually. Recently, the Children's Hospital of Richmond expanded their facilities with the newly constructed Children's Tower, which consolidates pediatric inpatient and emergency care into a modern, purpose-built complex equipped with 21 total exam rooms, standard and specialized examination rooms, trauma and resuscitation rooms, as well as imaging facilities including CT and X-ray 2.

Curriculum Structure

Each fellowship year consists of 13 four-week blocks with flexible scheduling. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in General Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine to be eligible. Depending on the applicant's previous training track, the fellowship offers two primary pathways:

Pediatric Track

Fellows coming from pediatrics residency will typically engage in three years of fellowship training. Their training includes longitudinal pediatric emergency department shifts and research activities throughout their fellowship tenure.

Emergency Medicine Track

Those who have completed emergency medicine residencies may choose between two or three years of fellowship training. The three-year pathway allows fellows to gain additional clinical experiences or pursue coursework aimed at obtaining an advanced degree. Essential clinical rotations include Pediatric ED (32 weeks), electives (12 weeks), NICU (4 weeks), and Child Protection Clinic (4 weeks) 2.

Academic Development

Fellows benefit from a structured environment for academic progression with four hours of protected time weekly dedicated to educational endeavors such as journal club participation, board review, case conferences, and simulation practice. Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor and participates in a scholarly oversight committee to maximize their clinical and academic potential during their fellowship. The program also presents opportunities to attend significant national scientific conferences where fellows can broaden their knowledge and network 2.

Application Process

Eligible candidates are required to be graduates of an ACGME-accredited residency program in either pediatrics or emergency medicine and become board-eligible in their chosen specialty. Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with a complete application needing a minimum set of documents, including three letters of recommendation—one of which must be from the residency program director. The program ID in ERAS is 1145111001, and the application deadline falls on August 15 2.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship program at VCU offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates seeking to train in the United States. Fellows can be sponsored for J-1 or H-1B visas, facilitating their participation in the fellowship program while ensuring compliance with immigration laws 2.

Program Competitiveness

This fellowship is recognized as a competitive program, welcoming both DOs and IMGs. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic credentials, clinical experience, and a commitment to the field.

Richmond Living

Situated in Richmond, Virginia, the fellowship promotes a healthy work-life balance. Richmond is known for its vibrant urban atmosphere with a friendly small-town feel. It offers easy access to cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and various destinations for weekend getaways, making it an enjoyable location for fellows during their training years 2.