Westchester Medical Center Program

Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship Program Overview

The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship Program at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Westchester Medical Center, is a three-year ACGME-accredited program aimed at training the next generation of leaders in pediatric pulmonology. Located approximately 25 miles north of New York City, the program emphasizes a family-centered approach to care, academic excellence, and research.

The primary goal of the fellowship is to comprehensively prepare fellows to navigate their careers in both clinical practice and academic medicine, enabling them to develop their skills as future physician-scientists.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will engage in a variety of rotations, including clinical services at the hospital as well as research opportunities that couple clinical medicine with public health endeavors. Special emphasis is placed on achieving a thorough understanding of the spectrum of pediatric respiratory diseases.

Given the hospital's unique facilities, fellows receive exposure to a high volume of patients with complex conditions, providing a robust clinical training experience. Every week, our team manages between 30 and 50 new consultations for pulmonary issues, ensuring fellows encounter a diverse array of cases and expertise in pediatric pulmonology.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to incorporate significant clinical training, research, and education. Clinical rotations are integrated across 33 months, with at least 15 of those on direct clinical service. Trainees have experience in the pulmonary inpatient service at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, where they manage daily consults and follow-up cases.

Fellows are also expected to participate in dedicated clinic hours, caring for their own patient panel in office settings. Elective rotations allow for further exploration in areas such as Allergy Evaluation, Sleep Medicine, and Interventional Bronchoscopy.

Among the unique features of the program is the collaboration with Blythedale Children’s Hospital, a leading rehabilitation institution which provides additional experience in managing technology-dependent patients.

Research Opportunities

Research forms a critical component of the training with a minimum of 15 months dedicated to scholarly activities. Fellows are encouraged to develop independent projects with a focus on translating findings into clinical and public health practice. Collaborative research opportunities exist with various divisions within pediatrics and beyond.

Educational Opportunities and Conferences

The Fellowship places a strong emphasis on education, holding four to five conferences per week where fellows are expected to actively participate. Educational sessions cover various advanced topics including respiratory physiology, clinical case reviews, journal clubs, and focused research seminars aimed at enhancing the fellows' knowledge base and professional development.

Additional opportunities include attendance in Grand Rounds and monthly Cystic Fibrosis Quality Improvement Committee meetings. Through this exposure, fellows cultivate skills essential for future leadership roles in academic and clinical settings.

Global Health and Community Engagement

An ongoing commitment to global health is evident through the relationships developed with community programs and the incorporation of cultural competency training into the curriculum. Fellows are encouraged to participate actively in outreach initiatives which enhance their understanding of diverse populations and their unique healthcare needs.

Visa Support and Requirements

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides necessary visa support, typically sponsoring J-1 or H-1B visas. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of an ACGME-accredited residency by the start of their fellowship.

Eligibility criteria also require successful completion of all components of the USMLE, along with documentation of ECFMG certification for international applicants.

Competitiveness and Applicant Criteria

The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at Westchester is considered competitive; thus, successful candidates typically demonstrate a strong academic history, relevant clinical experience, and a clear commitment to the field. Applicants with clinical experience in pediatric medicine, active research, and excellent letters of recommendation have a distinct advantage in the application process. The program accepts one to two fellows each year.

Potential candidates are encouraged to submit a comprehensive application including a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and relevant background, which reflects their dedication to pursuing a career in pediatric pulmonology.

Living in the Valhalla Area

Fellows enjoy the benefits of living in a vibrant area with access to NYC and beautiful natural landscapes. The surrounding Hudson Valley offers an array of outdoor activities while providing a supportive community for fellow trainees.

This fellowship opportunity at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital offers a well-rounded experience, bridging clinical excellence and scholarly research in pediatric pulmonology.