Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Child Abuse Pediatric Fellowship at the Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium is an ACGME-accredited training program designed to equip fellows with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary for diagnosing and treating child abuse cases. The program capitalizes on the robust clinical resources of St. Louis Children’s Hospital combined with the academic and research facilities at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, thereby providing a rich educational environment.

The fellowship extends over three years, with a curriculum meticulously structured to cover essential aspects of child abuse pediatrics, including recognition and management of various forms of abuse and neglect, legal aspects surrounding child protection, and multidisciplinary collaboration in abuse cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is comprehensive and spans across clinical service, academic development, and research opportunities. Clinical rotations include exposure to pediatric emergency medicine, child protection services, and pediatric psychiatry, among others. Each fellow engages in direct clinical care, takes part in patient consultation, and receives mentorship from experienced faculty in child abuse medicine. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured educational sessions that focus on both clinical competencies and ethical issues in child welfare.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue various research projects that contribute to the field of child abuse pediatrics. The program fosters an environment of inquiry with access to mentorship and resources available through the affiliated institutions. Research topics may encompass areas such as epidemiology of child abuse, intervention strategies, and policy analysis, promoting fellows to become future leaders in research and education within this subspecialty.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

A standout feature of this fellowship is the collaborative approach to child abuse investigation. The program places significant value on interprofessional collaboration, allowing fellows to work alongside social workers, legal experts, and law enforcement, fostering an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted nature of child protection. Additionally, fellows often participate in community outreach programs aimed at educating the public about child abuse prevention and resources available to victims, further enhancing their clinical and advocacy skills.1

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which is known for its commitment to offering state-of-the-art pediatric care. The institution provides access to specialized divisions such as child psychology, social work, and multidisciplinary extractions that create a supportive environment for clinical learning. Facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic resources that serve to enhance the clinical training experience for all fellows.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Typically, the program supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing international fellows to take part in the educational offerings while complying with visa regulations. This support ensures that qualified candidates from around the globe can contribute to and benefit from the program’s comprehensive training.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMG). The program is committed to diversity and inclusion, aiming for a cohort that reflects a range of experiences and backgrounds. Potential applicants should be aware of special application requirements, which may include a cap on the number of failed STEP exams and conditions regarding the year of graduation from medical school. These specifics are carefully reviewed to ensure the admissions process is fair and comprehensive for all applications.1