Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The program in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine offers rigorous training aimed at developing skilled pediatricians into independent decision-makers and leaders within the field. It is a well-structured fellowship program featuring a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide extensive clinical exposure and scholarly opportunities.

Program Overview

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is hosted at Washington University in St. Louis, collaborating closely with St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH), which is a nationally recognized pediatric quaternary referral center. The program is ACGME accredited for 15 fellows, accepting 5 new fellows annually, and participates in the NRMP Match for pediatric critical care medicine. The fellowship prepares graduates for rewarding careers by equipping them with foundational knowledge while also allowing them to explore their own clinical and academic interests 1.

Curriculum and Training Experience

The fellowship is structured into distinct phases focusing first on clinical competencies, with a greater emphasis on research and academic development in the second and third years. The program provides fellows the opportunity to engage in hands-on training within a diverse range of critical care environments, including a 40-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with over 2000 admissions annually, where they manage complex cases with a multidisciplinary team including intensivists, nurses, and allied health professionals 2.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows experience a wide spectrum of clinical scenarios. Key aspects of training include:

• Pediatric trauma care at one of Missouri's Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers.
• Advanced mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal support, including ECMO.
• Training in cardiac ICU with exposure to congenital heart disease management.
• Participation in interhospital transport for critically ill children requiring intensive care.

This exposure enables fellows to build a robust clinical skillset while integrating their learning into practice 3.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly work and individual research interests. Each fellow is matched with a faculty advisor who assists in identifying research opportunities according to their career aspirations, whether that leads to a focus on clinical, translational, or basic research. Areas of research include traumatic brain injuries, immunology, and ECMO management among others 4. The program also encourages participation in national conferences and scholarly events.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program offers several unique features to enhance the learning experience. Noteworthy is the first-year fellow boot camp, which is held in collaboration with multiple leading hospitals, aimed at skill development in high-stress clinical scenarios. Fellowships also provide opportunities for dual training in other specialties, adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of aspiring interdisciplinary professionals 5.

Educational Resources and Conferences

Fellows actively participate in various didactic sessions, simulation training, and the Pediatric Fellows Forum, focused on career and leadership development. There are structured conferences and practical sessions to cement the learning and application of pediatric critical care practices 6.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants should be aware of the specific application requirements: a complete ERAS application package including a common application form, CV, personal statement, letters of reference (including a letter from the current program director), and USMLE scores. The program is open to both US graduates and IMGs, making it relatively friendly for diverse candidates 7.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa applications and has the capability to sponsor ECFMG J-1 visas for international medical graduates, placing importance on creating an inclusive environment for diverse candidates globally 8.

Competitiveness

Competitive selection criteria apply, though the program emphasizes a welcoming approach for both DO and IMG applicants, creating avenues for various backgrounds and experiences 9.

Wellness and Community Life

Life in St. Louis offers a vibrant community with diverse opportunities for fellows outside of the clinical setting. The program places a strong emphasis on wellness and support, particularly during the demanding nature of fellowship training.