Fellowship structure and track
What tracks do you offer?
We have one 3-year clinical track with a focus on clinical care, research and/or education. A fellow and their scholarly oversight committee (SOC) will continuously reevaluate progress and goals to refine learning experiences. The SOC is assembled by the fellow and consists of the fellow’s primary research mentor(s) and senior faculty members with expertise relevant to the fellow’s career interests. At least one member of the SOC is from a different clinical division, which provides additional career perspective.
We have the opportunity of a 2-year fellowship for those who have already completed a Pediatric Subspecialty. This track will be more focused on clinical care provided the research requirement has been fulfilled by the previous pediatric fellowship.
Are there opportunities for electives during fellowship?
Yes, in your senior years there is time for electives. Elective options include: PICC line training, Echo-lab, Cath-lab, Burn Unit, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and ECMO to name a few. Fellows choose their area of interest and electives are created from there.
Does the University of Iowa offer master’s programs?
Yes, we will offer the option of completing a master’s program through the University of Iowa. Candidates will have a separate application process to qualify for funding through the GME office. The expectation is that the master’s program will fulfill all of the requirements set forth by the American Board of Pediatrics for research. These will be continually evaluated by mentors within the masters programs as well as within the division through your scholarship oversight committee.
Funding and financial support
Do you need external funding for any part of the fellowship?
No, all of our fellowship positions are funded through the Department of Pediatrics. However, fellows are eligible for funding through a National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 Training grant through the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center.
Does the division provide educational funds?
Yes. Each fellow is provided funds to travel to at least one conference through the division. Fellows are also encouraged to apply for other travel grants to attend additional conferences. Funding may potentially be provided through a mentor’s lab if a poster is accepted for presentation. All first-year fellows will also be fully funded to attend the national PICU Bootcamp.
Education & Board Prep
Is there a simulation component to the education program?
Yes! Our simulation program varies from active in-situ PICU simulations of acute events, vascular access simulations, ECMO simulations, and transport call simulations to delivering bad news simulations with standardized patients. We also participate in the first year fellow Bootcamp through CHOP for incoming first years.
How does the program help fellows prepare for boards?
Our Faculty-led board review occurs every three months in our core curriculum requiring fellow participation. In addition to that our core curriculum is designed to address all the ABP-board content over a period of 18 months, which gets then gets repeated and adjusted over the years to account for ABP updates in board content.
Clinical Experience & Volume
How large is the UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital?
University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital is Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital. We have 190 pediatric beds and 28 PICU beds, with approximately 15,000 admissions per year. Our first children's hospital opened in 1919, and our beautiful new facility was opened in 2017. Last year, we cared for children from all of Iowa's 99 counties as well as 45 states and 20 countries.
Am I going to see enough patients and unique conditions in Iowa?
As a regional quaternary referral center, we serve a large swath of rural Midwest. Our unit cares for an astounding variety of "bread-and-butter" patients as well as fascinating patients with rare disorders or illnesses. We are a Level 1 pediatric trauma center and our ECMO program is one of only approximately 30 around the world to receive an ELSO platinum distinction.
Life in Iowa
Is there anything fun to do in Iowa, or is it just cornfields?
Iowa City has a small town feel but all of the amenities of a big city. Our visitors are always amazed at what a hidden gem we have here, and we'd love to show and tell you about it. Whether you prefer arts, history, music, outdoor activities, Big10 college sports, farm-table restaurants, or even craft breweries, you will find something to love about Iowa City.