Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train fellows in becoming competent and compassionate pediatric hospitalists. This fellowship emphasizes the development of clinical skills, education, mentorship, and research capabilities, preparing participants for careers as educators, researchers, and leaders in the field of Pediatric Hospital Medicine.

The majority of the clinical training occurs at Brenner Children’s Hospital, a tertiary care facility within the Atrium Health at Wake Forest Baptist Health system. Brenner Children’s Hospital features a Pediatric Emergency Department, is designated as a Level 1 Trauma Center, has a Level IV NICU, and a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) equipped with ECMO capabilities. The hospital boasts 144 beds and admits over 3,600 children annually. Additionally, fellows will have a pediatric community hospital rotation at Jeff Gordon Children’s Center, which is a 54-bed community children's hospital within the Atrium Health system 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is structured in a balanced manner, adhering to ACGME requirements. It encompasses three primary components: core clinical rotations (one third), individualized curriculum (one third), and protected research time dedicated to scholarly activities (one third) 2.

Year 1

The first year includes core rotations such as Inpatient Pediatric Hospital Medicine, overseeing general pediatric inpatients on acute care floors and in intermediate care units, as well as managing surgical co-treatments with various specialties. Other rotations include Newborn Nursery with supervisory roles for residents and interns, as well as a complex and palliative care rotation. Research time in this year allows for 16 weeks of protected non-continuous research time 2.

Year 2

The second year continues with core rotations similar to the first year but includes critical care, sedation, pediatric emergency medicine, and community pediatric hospital medicine. Fellows will also participate in a variety of electives during this year, covering crucial areas such as inpatient neurology, child protective services, and advocacy 2. Throughout both years, fellows benefit from 4 weeks of paid time off (PTO), which includes vacation and sick leave, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life.

Scholarly Opportunities

Fellows will engage in a range of scholarly activities as part of their training. The program has a strong focus on research involving social drivers of health, addressing health inequities in pediatric populations, and various scholarship projects like firearm safety and management of eating disorders 2. Educational sessions are also incorporated into the curriculum, enhancing professional development with topics spanning research methodology, ethics, and professional growth.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship offers one position per year for candidates expected to complete residency training in either pediatrics or medicine-pediatrics. It requires applicants to register through the matching process and submit their application via the Electronic Residency Application Service 1. The program is competitive but welcomes a cohort of physicians, including those with DO and IMG backgrounds, thereby supporting a diverse trainee population.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support and can sponsor applicants under various visa categories, ensuring that international medical graduates can gain residency training opportunities. This capacity makes the fellowship accessible to a wider array of qualified candidates.

Faculty and Leadership

The program is led by a well-established faculty with distinguished backgrounds in pediatric hospital medicine, research, and education 3. Faculty members are dedicated to mentoring fellows and fostering an environment rich in academic growth and collaborative practice.

This fellowship aims not only to develop clinical competencies but also to instill a robust foundation in advocacy and research, positioning fellows to excel in the ever-evolving field of Pediatric Hospital Medicine.