Wright State University Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship program at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine provides a comprehensive training experience with a strong emphasis on both clinical and educational aspects of pediatric care. The program is located primarily at Dayton Children’s Hospital, a prominent pediatric facility in Dayton, Ohio.

Program Overview

The fellowship is structured to offer a diverse range of inpatient and outpatient experiences, with the further aim of teaching fellows to thrive in both clinical and academic settings. The integration of civilian and military pediatric training is a unique aspect of the program, facilitating exposure to a myriad of patient cases as well as collaborative opportunities through the Dayton Children’s and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base medical centers.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The program utilizes a well-defined curriculum that is subject to the American Board of Pediatrics' expectations. This includes weekly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences, daily lunch lectures, and research opportunities integrated within the clinical rotations. The curriculum promotes progressive autonomy tailored to the individual fellow’s competencies and readiness.2

Fellows primarily engage in responsibilities within the pediatric ward, working closely with pediatric hospitalists who provide mentorship and education throughout their training. The fellowship program consists of 13 educational blocks per year, allowing fellows to customize their rotations based on individual educational goals.3

Practice Sites

The primary practice site, Dayton Children’s Hospital, is a full-service children's hospital, offering a range of pediatric medical subspecialties and extensive patient diversity. Additionally, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base provides a distinct ambulatory experience for fellows, exposing them to military health care practices and unique patient populations.4

Application and Selection

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an approved general pediatric residency program and be board eligible or certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. A commitment to teaching, professionalism, and ethical behavior is also necessary. Priority is given to applicants with strong histories in pediatrics and effective communication skills.5

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Interviews are facilitated via virtual platforms, which allows for a wider reach of prospective applicants.6

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages research initiatives, with fellows having the opportunity to lead quality improvement projects and clinical research. Fellows are supported with protected time dedicated to their research endeavors and are expected to present their work at national conferences.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salaries along with an academic fund to support professional development. Benefits include vacation time, medical/dental insurance, free parking, and educational resources.7

Diversity and Inclusion

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral to the program, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all fellows, including those from international backgrounds. The fellowship is particularly supportive of U.S. military personnel as it is situated within a military-civilian integrated program, reinforcing the program's commitment to preparing fellows for various career paths in pediatric medicine.8

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. The application is friendly towards DO graduates and international applicants, encouraging a broad range of candidates to apply.

With high competition for positions in pediatric medicine, strong academic performance and USMLE scores above 230 are recommended. However, the program is also known for its openness to applicants from diverse educational backgrounds and experiences, thus creating a more inclusive selection process.9