Peds EM pathways

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Powdermonkey

ninja doctor in training
15+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
2,174
Reaction score
57
Points
4,676
Location
Quick! Call a code, grab a cart!
  1. Attending Physician
Do you guys know much about the Peds EM fellowship? I was originally hardcore EM until I learned that I may be able to do a peds EM fellowship. I know that you can do Peds-->PEM, EM-->PEM, EM/Peds combined, etc. I'm thinking peds is going to be the direction I'm heading, but I dont want to lose touch with the ER side of things either. Suggestions?
 
Do you guys know much about the Peds EM fellowship? I was originally hardcore EM until I learned that I may be able to do a peds EM fellowship. I know that you can do Peds-->PEM, EM-->PEM, EM/Peds combined, etc. I'm thinking peds is going to be the direction I'm heading, but I dont want to lose touch with the ER side of things either. Suggestions?

I'm not a peds EM fellow, but work in an ED that has them. There are a couple of approaches you could take, depending on what you want to do long term.

EM/peds combined programs offer good training in both EM and pediatrics. The catch is that you can't sit for the specific peds EM boards afterward, though some would say you don't need to after such training.

Most people I know doing peds EM did 3 years of peds residency followed by 3 years of peds EM fellowship. You would then be boarded in pediatrics as well as peds EM. During that fellowship you get some training in the adult ED, but long term, you would only be working with kids. In other words, you couldn't then go work in an adult ED. To me (and most peds residents) that's just fine, because I can't stand adults. 😛

Peds EM isn't using ultrasound as much as adult EM, but that's likely to change in the next few years. It's also one of the more competitive peds fellowships.

The other path is to do a 3 (or 4) year EM residency and then do a 2 year (I think) pediatric fellowship. The ones I've seen take this route are also well trained, being boarded in EM and peds EM, but not general pediatrics. This route offers a lot of flexibility in terms of where you want to work, and will let you continue to care for adults if you want. It may affect your ability to be hired at a dedicated peds ED that sees only kids, as those places are primarily hiring peds-->EM guys, but I can't say that for certain. You would also have good ultrasound experience and training.
 
I'm not a peds EM fellow, but work in an ED that has them. There are a couple of approaches you could take, depending on what you want to do long term.

EM/peds combined programs offer good training in both EM and pediatrics. The catch is that you can't sit for the specific peds EM boards afterward, though some would say you don't need to after such training.

Most people I know doing peds EM did 3 years of peds residency followed by 3 years of peds EM fellowship. You would then be boarded in pediatrics as well as peds EM. During that fellowship you get some training in the adult ED, but long term, you would only be working with kids. In other words, you couldn't then go work in an adult ED. To me (and most peds residents) that's just fine, because I can't stand adults. 😛

Peds EM isn't using ultrasound as much as adult EM, but that's likely to change in the next few years. It's also one of the more competitive peds fellowships.

The other path is to do a 3 (or 4) year EM residency and then do a 2 year (I think) pediatric fellowship. The ones I've seen take this route are also well trained, being boarded in EM and peds EM, but not general pediatrics. This route offers a lot of flexibility in terms of where you want to work, and will let you continue to care for adults if you want. It may affect your ability to be hired at a dedicated peds ED that sees only kids, as those places are primarily hiring peds-->EM guys, but I can't say that for certain. You would also have good ultrasound experience and training.

I've moved this into a new thread since it will get lost in a FAQ thread about general pediatrics. This topic comes up regularly. My understanding is that going the EM residency and then peds EM fellowship route does NOT allow for board certification by the ABP in pediatric emergency medicine and this is a bone of contention amongst EM and Pedi folks that has been hashed out multiple times on SDN, both here and the EM board so this is another chance to :beat:
 
Thanks, guys! Thats pretty much what I've come to find in my research as well. I'm just trying to figure it out in my head if I want to do Peds or EM first. Partly because I want to leave my options open. And I really think I would be ok if I didnt have to deal with the geriatric nursing home patients all the time. And kids just seem like they would be a little more appreciative for making them better. I know parents suck sometimes, but I think it would be worth it.

Any idea if there are any pediatric places that will take 3rd year students for elective rotations?
 
Thanks, guys! Thats pretty much what I've come to find in my research as well. I'm just trying to figure it out in my head if I want to do Peds or EM first. Partly because I want to leave my options open. And I really think I would be ok if I didnt have to deal with the geriatric nursing home patients all the time. And kids just seem like they would be a little more appreciative for making them better. I know parents suck sometimes, but I think it would be worth it.

Any idea if there are any pediatric places that will take 3rd year students for elective rotations?

Not usually 3rd year rotations, but you might consider 4th year acting internship. Do it early 4th year and you'll still have your options open.
 
Yeah, thats what I was thinking. My peds month isnt until January or February so I was hoping to get a little exposure before then. But I guess I'll just have to sit tight and wait.

Thanks again, Stitch!
 
Top Bottom