Pediatric Fellowships

Pediatric Department Fellows’ Academic Core Curriculum

The fellowship provides a core curriculum in scholarly activities that meets ACGME and ABP requirements for training. Topics discussed include application of biostatistics; ACGME clinical and laboratory research methodology, study design, preparation of funding applications, clinical research protocols, and public presentation; critical literature review; principles of evidence-based medicine; fatigue recognition and management; principles of curriculum design; and outcomes assessment; as well as adult learning/teaching methods and principles of communication.

Content will vary from year to year with a one-to-three year cycle of repetition. To include:

  • Basic skills for first-year fellows
    • Basic teaching skills
    • Effective teaching in different settings (bedside, small group, formal presentation)
    • Evaluation and feedback
    • How to give and receive constructive criticism
    • Critical review of the literature and principles of evidence-based medicine
    • Dealing with the stresses associated with fellowship
    • Depression, fatigue, self-doubt/lack of self confidence
  • Starting out in research
    • Choosing a mentor, choosing the question
    • Focusing the project, refining the project
    • Presenting the project for feedback, finalizing the research project plan
  • Biostatistics
    • Basic concepts
    • Application to review of the literature
    • Study design - study type (RCT, case-control, etc.), sample size estimates
    • Research methodology
  • Dealing with the emotional toll of a patient’s death
    • Panel discussion (pediatric sub-specialist, psychiatrist, social worker)
  • Other communication-related topics 
    • Delivering bad news,
    • Addressing family conflicts, explaining adverse outcomes, etc.
  • Research Subjects Review Board (IRB) 
    • Certification
    • The approval process and application, the proposal, consents and waivers
    • HIPAA
    • Responding to feedback
  • University Committee on Animal Resources 
    • Certification, the approval process
  • Tools 
    • Library resources, database use, evidence based medicine
    • Personal reference libraries and bibliography manager
  • Principles of academic writing
  • Abstract writing 
  • Manuscript preparation 
  • Preparation of poster and platform presentation
  • Grant preparation and grant review
  • Career development 
    • Identifying potential jobs, the interview process, academic tracks, promotion
    • Maintenance of portfolios, identifying sources of funding for academic research
  • Systems-based practice
    • Insurance, billing management, community services, home care
    • Legal issues
    • Hospital Administration
    • Quality improvement methods