Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship
Program Overview
Our fellowship in pediatric endocrinology offers broad experience in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric endocrine disease. Study of normal and abnormal endocrine function and application of basic science to clinical medicine (e.g., signal transduction, genetics) is emphasized, as well as the critical role of endocrinology in normal growth and development, critical illness (e.g., DKA, sodium and water disorders, adrenal crises), preventive care (e.g., diabetes, dyslipidemia) and transition to adult care. Fellows develop the special skills of a pediatric endocrinologist, including analysis and interpretation of special laboratory tests, stimulation tests (e.g., growth hormone provocative tests), radiographic studies (e.g., bone age) and growth data.
Requirements and Duration of Fellowship
The purpose of the fellowship program is to provide an in-depth, longitudinal 3-year experience in pediatric endocrinology and metabolism. We require prior completion of a 3-year ACGME-accredited pediatrics residency by the fellowship start date, as recommended by the American Board of Pediatrics.
The fellowship is fully funded for three years.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods include full participation in clinical care both as consultants and in the outpatient setting, formal clinical and research conferences, formal presentations of cases including the literature, and at least two national meetings during the fellowship. Scholarly activity in the form of research is expected of all fellows.
First Year
During the first year, the fellow spends six months on service, one month in diabetes education and five months in outpatient endocrinology. She/he is required to attend the one-week Department of Pediatrics Fellows' Course (ethics, research design and biostatistics, approach to teaching, writing papers and grants, academic career paths) in August. She/he is expected to identify a research mentor and begin to develop a hypothesis-driven research project.
Second and Third Years
The second and third year fellows spend three months on service and nine months in outpatient endocrinology. They are expected to devote 50 percent of their time to research. Outpatient experience entails at least one diabetes and one endocrine session per week.
Duty Hour Requirements
Duty hour requirements are strictly enforced. Fellows on service are "on call" from home and carry the pediatric endocrine emergency beeper 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with two weekends per month off call. The two fellows not on call cover one weekend each per month. Duty hour surveys are made on a quarterly basis.
Moonlighting
Moonlighting is not permitted during months on call.
Scholarly Activity
Scholarly activity through hypothesis-driven research, either in the basic sciences or clinical sciences, is required. Some fellows may not choose to pursue an academic, research-oriented career, but designing, executing and analyzing a research project develops the ability to think critically, analyze information, and appreciate the contribution of research to state-of-the-art clinical medicine.
To ensure comprehensive understanding and breadth of experience in pediatric endocrine disorders, acquisition of knowledge through avenues in addition to clinical care is emphasized through literature and conferences. Content is important, and should be learned in the context of its application if possible. Fellows are actively encouraged to read appropriate textbooks and literature as they relate to clinical care; in addition, they are encouraged to read in the broad areas of pediatric endocrine disease as outlined by the American Board of Pediatrics, sub-board of Pediatric Endocrinology (available on-line as well as provided on CD).
Endocrine fellows receive broad clinical instruction in endocrinology and metabolism. In addition, a significant portion (approximately half) of his/her experiences focus on in-depth research training. We expect that the training will be sufficient to pursue advanced research training, a junior faculty position or clinical practice. This three-year training program is approved for accreditation by the sub-board in Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism of the American Board of Pediatrics.