Westchester Medical Center Program

Neonatology Fellowship Program Overview

The program offers a fully ACGME accredited three-year fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, which is part of the Westchester Medical Center. This fellowship is designed to train academically oriented neonatologists who will manage a variety of clinical conditions and aspire to become future leaders in the field.

Approximately 800 high-risk patients are admitted annually to the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU), providing fellows with substantial clinical exposure, including cases involving rare surgical conditions, genetic disorders, and prematurity. The RNICU is the only unit in the Hudson Valley region offering advanced care services such as head cooling for patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and all facets of mechanical ventilation techniques.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship structure includes a carefully designed curriculum that balances clinical responsibilities with research components. In the first year, fellows primarily engage in NICU care, covering 20-25 patients, and participate in a two-month orientation lecture series to equip them with essential practical skills and specialty knowledge.

During the second year, fellows are expected to allocate six months to research and three months to NICU service, alongside exposure to community hospital settings at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. The third and final year involves further research, NICU service, and cross coverage, enhancing the fellow’s clinical proficiency.

Research and Academics

The program emphasizes a strong research component adhering to ACGME guidelines. Each fellow is encouraged to identify a research mentor and develop a focused project within the first six months. Past fellows have participated in national multicenter trials and several scholarly works are supported, including travel awards to major pediatric research meetings.

Various educational conferences are conducted throughout the fellowship, which focus on improving fellows' skills in managing complex neonatal cases and understanding relevant literature.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Neonatology Fellowship spots are competitive, with the program accepting 4 to 5 fellows each academic year, totaling 14 fellows. Ideal candidates typically possess a strong residency record and have engaged in research leading to publications or national presentations. Furthermore, applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency and passed all components of the U.S. Medical Licensure Examination. International applicants must provide ECFMG certification.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports J-1 and H1-B visa applicants, ensuring international candidates have the necessary visa sponsorship to partake in the program.

Training Sites

Training is divided among various facilities, primarily at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Blythedale Children’s Hospital, which provides a contrast in neonatal practices within community hospitals.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Being one of the larger neonatal fellowship programs in the nation, the program prides itself on its high board passage rate, which has been at 96% since 1999, facilitating a robust training environment. Personalized mentoring and a focus on the fellows’ career aspirations form the core of the educational philosophy.

This unique environment crafted by experienced mentors enhances both clinical expertise and academic development, positioning fellows well for successful careers in Neonatology.