Tower Health Program

Program Overview

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Tower Health offers a comprehensive training experience for physicians, with two distinct tracks available— a three-year program designed for Pediatrics-trained applicants and a two-year program intended for Emergency Medicine-trained candidates. This ACGME-accredited fellowship accepts three fellows per year and is situated in a high-volume, high-acuity emergency department serving an underserved patient demographic in Philadelphia. The program is closely affiliated with Tower Health and Drexel University.

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As part of its mission, the fellowship aims to train not only competent clinicians but also proficient educators and researchers, all while providing care in a dynamic environment rich with teaching opportunities.

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Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a rich mix of clinical and academic experiences. First-year fellows participate in mandatory simulation boot camps and conferences, promoting a collaborative atmosphere with the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Child Protection Team, and Adult Emergency Medicine. The program places significant emphasis on quality improvement and scholarly activities.

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Core Rotations

Fellows are required to complete rotations in a variety of specialties crucial to pediatric emergency medicine, including:

• Adult Emergency Medicine
• Trauma
• Child Abuse
• Critical Care
• Ultrasound
• Toxicology
• Transport Medicine

Additionally, fellows benefit from local rotations at other institutions, enhancing their educational exposure.

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Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, which functions as a free-standing tertiary care children’s hospital in North Philadelphia. It is recognized as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a regional center for pediatric burn treatment. The high volume of emergency department visits, exceeding 53,000 annually, contributes to an environment rich in clinical learning opportunities.

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Fellowship Structure

Structured mentorship plays a vital role in the fellowship experience, with every fellow receiving formal faculty mentorship. Off-campus retreats during the academic year focus on wellness, professional development, and building a collaborative community among fellows. Academic appointments are available through Drexel University College of Medicine.

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Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects, and the program offers dedicated time and resources to ensure that scholarly activities are a core aspect of the training. The inclusion of a Quality Improvement Director highlights the program’s commitment to enhancing care delivery through rigorous research.

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Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants must have completed a residency in either General Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine to be eligible for the fellowship. The application process requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a specific application window running from July 1 to September 1.

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The fellowship is competitive, reflecting the high standards of both clinical and academic excellence required for acceptance.

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Visa Support

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa applications, facilitating the inclusion of international medical graduates who meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria.

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