Learning during clinical rotations is supplemented by a robust conference schedule. Fellows have protected learning time for three hours on Wednesdays.

Division Conferences

Neonatal Symposium (annual)

This symposium features practical, take-home information for neonatologists and advanced practice providers regarding current issues in neonatal and perinatal medicine.

Neonatal Grand Rounds (monthly)

Multi-institutional Neonatal Grand Rounds provides a forum for expanding collaborative research in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

Neonatal Core Curriculum (weekly)

This lecture series covers all major content topics in perinatal physiology, pathophysiology, and development relevant to the fetus and newborn, including clinical correlations. Organized with a monthly organ system theme, this conference includes talks by faculty members and fellows in neonatology, maternal-fetal medicine, and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties.

Clinical Case Conference (weekly)

Fellows present a clinical case which poses diagnostic or therapeutic challenges. Senior faculty lead a discussion that includes faculty, fellows, neonatal nurse practitioners and students, physician assistants, and neonatology hospitalists.

Simulation (monthly)

Monthly simulation in our in-unit neonatal simulation lab provides hands-on learning in team leadership and skills training. There are also twice-monthly multidisciplinary mock codes in the NICU. Simulation with standardized patients occurs in the VUMC Center for Experiential Learning.

Board Review (monthly)

Fellows and faculty use a question-based format to prepare for the neonatal boards. Question content aligns with monthly theme.

Research and Career Conference (monthly)

This session provides support to fellows to discuss research updates in a group format coupled with a curriculum focused on research and career development.

Pathophysiology (monthly)

Fellows present a case with important or interesting pathophysiology and faculty lead the fellows in a robust discussion of physiology pathways and pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Radiology and Images in Neonatal Medicine (every other month)

Every-other-month in-depth discussion of radiologic images with the goal of improving fellow skill in interpretation of radiology studies.

Journal Club (monthly)

Fellows present a critical review of a seminal or recent publication, including the methods, results, and implications of the work.

Morbidity and Mortality Conference (monthly)

Fellows present recent cases for discussion and review of autopsy or other anatomic studies with pediatric pathologists and division faculty.

Fetal Conference (weekly)

Maternal fetal medicine specialists review current antenatal cases and discuss management.

Department of Pediatrics Conferences

Pediatric Research Conference (weekly)

Vanderbilt and visiting faculty present their ongoing research.

Pediatric Grand Rounds (weekly)

Vanderbilt and visiting faculty present topics in general and subspecialty pediatrics.

Career Day (annual)

Annual career development day for second year fellows in the Department of Pediatrics.

Core Fellow Conference (monthly)

First year fellows throughout the department attend this conference in which faculty present a broad range of core topics in scholarly activity including research design and methodology, statistics, ethics, and teaching.

Department Research Retreat (annually)

Each year, the Department of Pediatrics sponsors a half day research retreat featuring an invited keynote speaker and platform and poster presentations by second- and third-year fellows and junior faculty in all pediatric subspecialties.