Curriculum

The three year program meets the requirements of the subspecialty board in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Training in clinical management, research and teaching provides the opportunity to acquire understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the fetus and neonate. The training program combines clinical focus with opportunities in clinical and basic science research experiences and is supplemented by many weekly conferences, seminars and meetings. A brief summary of the educational experience is noted below.

First Year of Training

The fellowship training begins with a one-month orientation during which time the fellows round in the RWJUH NICU in an observatory capacity while receiving introduction to the NICU, transport services, Labor and Delivery services, High-risk Infant Follow-up and Apnea services. During this time the new trainees attend a month long Introduction to Clinical Neonatology, which is followed in August by Introduction to Academic/Scholarly Neonatology which includes a 12-hour introduction to statistics course. The course provides training in research methodology, medical statistics and computer-assisted techniques of data analysis. During this time the trainees are asked to read Studying a Study and Testing a Test as part of this orientation activity.

The emphasis during the first year is clinical training with two months spent in each of the three NICU’s supplemented by eight sessions in outpatient services. The trainees works closely with attending neonatologist, supervising and teaching pediatric residents, medical students and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in the direct care of patients. This comprehensive clinical experience covers the entire scope of newborn care from neonatal emergencies, to the use of high frequency jet ventilation and nitric oxide. In addition, the trainee gains expertise in the insertion of central and peripheral lines, placement of thoracotomy tubes, performance of peritoneal taps, etc. and participates in the assessment and management of high risk antepartum and intrapartum patients as well as high risk deliveries.

The remainder of the year is devoted to the research experience with a focus on a wide range of research opportunities. During the first half of the academic year, fellows identify an area of interest for research and, with the aid of the Program Director, identify a mentor in that area.

Second and Third Years of Training

The senior years are characterized by uninterrupted protected time for research training and scholarly activities. During the second year the trainees spend six weeks in each NICU and in the third year four weeks. The third year fellows also spend time at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian Medical Center to gain expertise in the management of pre and post op cardiac surgical patients.

The non-clinical months’ goal, under the immediate supervision of a mentor, is the completion of a research project, followed by presentation at local and regional research meetings and finally the publication of a manuscript in a peer reviewed medical journal.