University vs. Community program for NICU

[FunnyDocMan1234]

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I know most pediatric subspecialties aren't too competitive so it's less like Internal Med where going to a university program is almost a requirement to get a lot of the subspecialties. Is this true regarding the NICU fellowship as well - do plenty of people from community programs successfully get into NICU?

 

[Stitch]

Yup. I always say the best subspecialists are good general pediatricians. Even neonatologists. There are a lot of good community programs out there. Many won't have fellows, giving you the opportunity to get to deliveries and become proficient with some neonatal procedures. So don't shy away from such a program just because it's not university.

 

[medumacation]

I don't think you will find anyone more biased towards big programs than I am. I love being part of a big program and am very thankful for the experience.

BUT, if you are a good resident, community versus academic program doesn't matter one bit for neonatology fellowship. In fact, deliveries are probably the one thing that no hospital has any problem having adequate volume of.