pa's have worked in neonatology for >20 years. there is even a pa postgrad residency in peds/neonatology at a yale affiliated hospital:
Norwalk Hospital/Yale University
PA Residency Program
Department of Pediatrics
Peggy McCloskey, Administrative Assistant
34 Maple Street
Norwalk, CT 06856
(203) 852-2662
(203) 855-3683 - Fax
E-mail:
[email protected]
Length of Program 12 months
Class Size 2 residents
Starting Date:
Ending Date:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY:
The PA Pediatric Postgraduate Program conducted jointly by the Departments of Pediatrics, Norwalk Hospital and Yale University School of Medicine is an intensive twelve month training program. The program combines the resources of the Departments of Pediatrics at Norwalk Hospital and Yale University School of Medicine, providing a major commitment to the education of the PA Pediatric resident. The program is planned to assist the development of cognitive and technical skills in the achievement of sound medical judgement and prepares the PA for major responsibilities. Graduates are actively involved in inpatient pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric emergency medicine, outpatient pediatrics, including pediatric subspecialty areas, as well as in the academic setting.
CURRICULUM:
The curriculum is designed to concentrate heavily on areas that were only surveyed in basic PA training:
A. The didactic portion of the program is directed to an in-depth understanding of major aspects of clinical pediatrics. As such, the curriculum covers a wide variety of basic and advanced topics in pediatrics.
* There is an intensive orientation series of basic pediatric topics which begins annually in September. These topics include basic CPR, a variety of neonatal topics including mechanical ventilation, stabilization of the neonate, the neonate during the transitional phase, as well as a neonatal resuscitation course. In addition, there are introductory lectures in pediatric medicine and lectures on the cognitive aspect of pediatrics, including the developmental assessment of children, children's reaction to hospitalization and mental status examination.
* There is an ongoing lecture series which covers topics in general pediatrics designed for the pediatric physician assistant.
* There is a monthly resident conference at which pediatric PA residents review a topic of interest and present this topic to other members of the staff.
* There is a weekly grand rounds which is offered by members of the Department of Pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine as well as by visiting lecturers from a variety of institutions.
* There are daily teaching rounds on the pediatric inpatient unit and in the neonatal intensive care unit.
* There are periodic weekly neonatal section conferences offered by one of the neonatologists to review topics of general interest in neonatology.
* Lectures are offered by members of other departments, for example, orthopedics, obstetrics, and ENT, on areas in which the practice of their specialty impacts upon pediatrics.
* Pediatric PA residents participate in courses sponsored by the Department such as the annual Neonatal Symposium as well as the Neonatal Resuscitation Course. Upon completion of the Neonatal Resuscitation Course, Pediatric PA residents receive certification. Pediatric PA residents also take the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course.
* During the rotation at Yale University School of Medicine, residents attend daily conferences, grand rounds and lectures by faculty and visiting specialists.
* The Pediatric PA resident is encouraged to take full advantage of all learning opportunities available to them at both institutions.
B. The clinical curriculum encompasses a full calendar year of rotations. Residents take an active role in the assessment, management and daily care of patients. They have the opportunity to learn the technical skills that are essential in caring for the pediatric patient. Two months are spent at Yale University and ten months are spent at Norwalk Hospital.
* Clinical rotations at Norwalk Hospital include neonatology, pediatrics, pediatric special care and adolescent medicine.
* The rotation at Yale encompasses two months on the pediatric service, including the emergency department.
* Clinical situations at both institutions are supplemented by informal and formal didactic lectures.
* While at both institutions there is an on-call experience involving both night and weekend call.
UNIVERSITY AND INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
The Pediatric PA Residency is a joint program of Norwalk Hospital and Yale University School of Medicine. This program is a member of the Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs. Yale University School of Medicine is a large teaching institution with a national and international reputation for excellence in clinical services and research. Norwalk Hospital, located on Long Island Sound is a 366 bed acute care hospital. The newborn service has been designated as a regional resource in neonatology and, as such, receives transports from a variety of area hospitals.
The Newborn Intensive Care Unit consists of eighteen stations and is staffed by three full-time Neonatologists. The Pediatric Inpatient Unit includes a fourteen-bed general pediatric to care for older infants, children and adolescents.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
* The applicant must be a graduate of an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant Program.
* The applicant must have passed, or be eligible for, the National Certification Examination for Physician Assistants. (Passage of this exam is a prerequisite for obtaining the CT license.)
* CT licensure must be procured by February 1 in order to complete the residency.
* The applicant must complete the application form, submit college transcripts, provide a resume, three completed recommendation forms, one of which must be filled out by the PA Program Director or Coordinator, an official copy of board scores, if certified, and a brief, typewritten narrative stating why they wish to become a pediatric physician assistant.
* Selection factors include a strong interest in pediatrics and neonatology, academic achievement, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continued education.
* All written applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. After a review of application materials, a personal interview, at the applicant's expense is required for admission tot he program. Interviews are held at Norwalk Hospital in the spring, preceding the beginning of the program year.
CREDENTIAL AWARDED:
Upon graduation, the physician assistant resident receives a certificate signed by the Department Chairmen at Norwalk Hospital and Yale University School of Medicine, the President of Norwalk Hospital and the Dean of Yale University School of Medicine. In addition, physician assistant residents receive Neonatal Resuscitation certification and are eligible for Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification. The Norwalk/Yale Pediatric Physician Assistant Residency is approved for the maximum CME credit (50 hours) by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
FINANCES:
* Salary or stipend. The current stipend for physician assistant residents is approximately $35,000 annually.
* Benefits: Flexible benefit program through Norwalk Hospital. This includes a variety of options for life insurance, medical coverage and dental coverage and can include coverage for spouse as well as children. Flexible benefit accounts are available for child care and uncovered medical and dental expenses. Malpractice insurance is provided by the hospital.
* Housing: Housing is available in the hospital owned apartment complex. Efficiency, and one-bedroom apartments are available on a furnished or unfurnished basis. Utilities are included.
* Vacation: There are three weeks paid vacation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
A. Application filing period Must be completed by April 30
B. Interviews Mid-late May
C. Notification of acceptance to program Two weeks following the interview
D. Program starting date Early September
