Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship
Mission & Vision
With almost 50 years of recognized excellence, our program’s goals are to train fellows to provide the highest level of clinical care in a family-centered environment, to excel in research and teaching and to contribute to the neonatology community both nationally and internationally.
Mission & Vision
With almost 50 years of recognized excellence, our program’s goals are to train fellows to provide the highest level of clinical care in a family-centered environment, to excel in research and teaching and to contribute to the neonatology community both nationally and internationally.
Program Director’s Welcome
Program Director’s Welcome
The fellowship program in the Division of Neonatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is one of the most well-regarded and longest-standing programs in the United States.
Our division provides specialized care for hospitalized infants in the newborn intensive care units at Holtz Children’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial and Jackson North Medical Center.
Strengths and unique aspects of our fellowship program include:
- Clinical training in one of the nation’s largest NICUs, which includes a large delivery service, complicated pregnancies, and care in level I, II, III, and IV settings
- Participation in antenatal care for complex patients, including those who undergo fetal intervention or surgery at our center
- Care for a diverse, multicultural patient population, with opportunities for involvement in global health initiatives
- Care for patients with congenital heart disease in the cardiac intensive care unit
- A dedicated intestinal rehabilitation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) program within the NICU
- Care for neonates with complex neonatal eye disorders provided by neonatal ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
- Exposure to point-of-care ultrasonography
- Participation in international, regional, and local transport of critically ill patients
- Care for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients and complex pediatric surgery patients in the NICU
- Cutting-edge research through one of the nation’s only stand-alone children’s research institutes and a pulmonology research laboratory adjacent to the NICU
- Strong research outcomes, as evidenced by fellows serving as first authors on publications in high-impact journals and receiving local, regional, and national awards
- An established neonatal genomic program
- A board pass rate of approximately 95 to 100 percent
- A strong alumni network, with graduates who are clinical and academic leaders in neonatology at the local, regional, and international levels
As a result of these strengths, the Neonatal/Perinatal Fellowship Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center provides well-balanced training that fosters excellence in patient care, medical knowledge, teaching, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism.
We take immense pride in our comprehensive approach to neonatology and remain committed to advancing both the care we provide and the education we offer to future generations of neonatologists.
Program Leadership
Markus Tauscher, MD
Program Director
Merline Benny, MD
Associate Program Director
Ilene Sosenko, MD
Associate Program Director
Description
- Clinical training in one of the nation’s largest NICUs, which includes a large delivery service, complicated pregnancies, and care in level I, II, III, and IV settings
- Participation in antenatal care for complex patients, including those who undergo fetal intervention or surgery at our center
- Care for a diverse, multicultural patient population, with opportunities for involvement in global health initiatives
- Care for patients with congenital heart disease in the cardiac intensive care unit
- A dedicated intestinal rehabilitation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) program within the NICU
- Care for neonates with complex neonatal eye disorders provided by neonatal ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
- Exposure to point-of-care ultrasonography
- Participation in international, regional, and local transport of critically ill patients
- Care for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients and complex pediatric surgery patients in the NICU
- Cutting-edge research through one of the nation’s only stand-alone children’s research institutes and a pulmonology research laboratory adjacent to the NICU
- Strong research outcomes, as evidenced by fellows serving as first authors on publications in high-impact journals and receiving local, regional, and national awards
- An established neonatal genomic program
- A board pass rate of approximately 95 to 100 percent
- A strong alumni network, with graduates who are clinical and academic leaders in neonatology at the local, regional, and international levels
As a result of these strengths, the Neonatal/Perinatal Fellowship Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center provides well-balanced training that fosters excellence in patient care, medical knowledge, teaching, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism.
We take immense pride in our comprehensive approach to neonatology and remain committed to advancing both the care we provide and the education we offer to future generations of neonatologists.
Program Leadership
Markus Tauscher, MD
Program Director
Merline Benny, MD
Associate Program Director
Ilene Sosenko, MD
Associate Program Director
A Word from our Chief
A Word from our Chief
The Division of Neonatology at Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center has one of the largest, most well-regarded, and longest-established Level IV neonatal units in the United States. Our faculty consists of 25 full-time academic neonatologists and pediatricians who provide specialized care to hospitalized infants at Holtz Children’s Hospital each day and antenatal consultation for complex problems referred to our perinatal center. We are not only the primary intensivists for all infants admitted with diverse medical and surgical problems, but we also support the efforts of the hospital’s highly advanced fetal care center that focuses on comprehensive care of most complex surgical and cardiac conditions. A NICU-based ECMO program staffed by specially trained faculty members is integral to our division.
Our past and most recent experience has been characterized by continued success in both clinical and academic pursuits. The number of newborn intensive care admissions remains substantial and clinical outcomes are excellent. In addition, the division continues to be highly successful in its academic activities, including the cutting-edge basic and translational research done by several NIH and philanthropy-funded neonatologists, the publication of numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals, the large number of research presentations at national and international research meetings, the invitation of division faculty members to give lectures throughout the world, and the attraction of high-quality neonatal fellows.
As a university-based program, we are at the forefront of leading NIH and philanthropy-funded projects in basic science, genomics, clinical trials, and various clinical studies. As a result of research conducted by our faculty and the quality improvement efforts of our teams, our outcomes are excellent, and we are proud of our high survival and low complication rates.
At the heart of our program is the division’s educational mission, reflected in a most successful neonatal training program that, over the last 50 years, has trained close to 150 neonatologists who practice in units around the world. We strive to provide our fellows with the highest quality clinical education available. Fellows train in a robust learning environment conducting research in clinical and basic science projects. In this way, our division continues contributing to the neonatology workforce by training future leaders in neonatal clinical and academic medicine.
In addition, since 1975, the division has organized the “Miami Neonatology Conference,” one of the most prestigious international postgraduate educational activities, which attracts outstanding national and international speakers and more than 1000 participants from over 50 countries each year.
Pankaj B. Agrawal, MD, MMSc
Physician-in-Chief, Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Neonatology
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Description
Our past and most recent experience has been characterized by continued success in both clinical and academic pursuits. The number of newborn intensive care admissions remains substantial and clinical outcomes are excellent. In addition, the division continues to be highly successful in its academic activities, including the cutting-edge basic and translational research done by several NIH and philanthropy-funded neonatologists, the publication of numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals, the large number of research presentations at national and international research meetings, the invitation of division faculty members to give lectures throughout the world, and the attraction of high-quality neonatal fellows.
As a university-based program, we are at the forefront of leading NIH and philanthropy-funded projects in basic science, genomics, clinical trials, and various clinical studies. As a result of research conducted by our faculty and the quality improvement efforts of our teams, our outcomes are excellent, and we are proud of our high survival and low complication rates.
At the heart of our program is the division’s educational mission, reflected in a most successful neonatal training program that, over the last 50 years, has trained close to 150 neonatologists who practice in units around the world. We strive to provide our fellows with the highest quality clinical education available. Fellows train in a robust learning environment conducting research in clinical and basic science projects. In this way, our division continues contributing to the neonatology workforce by training future leaders in neonatal clinical and academic medicine.
In addition, since 1975, the division has organized the “Miami Neonatology Conference,” one of the most prestigious international postgraduate educational activities, which attracts outstanding national and international speakers and more than 1000 participants from over 50 countries each year.
Pankaj B. Agrawal, MD, MMSc
Physician-in-Chief, Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Neonatology
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Fast Facts
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Number of Fellows per Year?
3 to 4
Duration of Fellowship?
3 years
Clinical Experience
Accordion
During the program’s first year, fellows should demonstrate knowledge of basic neonatal physiology and clinical sciences relating to common neonatal problems (such as hyaline membrane disease, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, etc.), as well as problems related to the high-risk pregnancy and fetus, and issues related to long-term developmental follow-up. Fellows should be able to apply this knowledge to decisions regarding patient care, have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of these commonly occurring neonatal diseases and possess the continuing desire for lifelong learning.
During the program’s second year, fellows should demonstrate knowledge of basic neonatal physiology and clinical sciences relating to more complex and less common neonatal problems (such as complex congenital anomalies, inborn errors of metabolism, etc.) and problems related to the high-risk pregnancy and fetus, as well as issues related to long-term developmental follow-up. Fellow should be able to apply this knowledge to decisions regarding patient care, have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of these more complex and less commonly occurring neonatal diseases and possess the continuing desire for lifelong learning.
During the program’s third year, fellows should demonstrate knowledge of basic neonatal physiology and clinical sciences relating to neonatal problems and problems related to the high-risk pregnancy and fetus, as well as issues related to long-term developmental follow-up so that fellows will be prepared and able to successfully pass the American Board of Pediatrics’ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Certification. Fellows should be able to apply all of their knowledge to decisions regarding patient care, have a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of the full spectrum of neonatal diseases and possess the continuing desire for lifelong learning.
Perinatal Prevention:
Understanding the morbidity in high-risk pregnancies and complications of childbirth with the objective to become familiar with a number of maternal complications which can impact the fetus and newborn.
Resuscitation and Stabilization:
Understanding how to resuscitate and stabilize a critically ill neonate with the objectives to describe steps in resuscitation and stabilization, including equipment needed and demonstrate efficient and effective resuscitation in mock codes and, if circumstances permit, under stress of actual codes.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Understanding how to evaluate and manage common signs and symptoms of disease in high-risk newborns with the objectives of performing appropriate assessments (history, physical examination, initial diagnostic studies); formulating differential diagnosis with appropriate prioritization and formulating and carrying out a plan for continuing assessment and management.
Common Conditions:
Understanding how to manage, under the supervision of a neonatologist, common diagnoses in infants in a Level II or IV nursery with the objectives of describing the pathophysiologic basis of the disease process, describing the initial assessment plans and discussing key principles of the neonatal intensive care unit management plan.
Diagnostic Testing:
Understanding how to use and interpret laboratory and imaging studies unique to the NICU setting with the objective of ordering and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies appropriate for NICU patients, including understanding of the differences in normal values with gestational age.
Monitoring and Therapeutic Modalities:
Understanding the application of physiologic monitoring and special technology applied to the care of the fetus and newborn with the objective of learning indications and limitations, and proper use.
Management and Decision Making:
Developing a logical and effective approach to the assessment and daily management of seriously ill neonates and their families, under the guidance of a neonatologist, using decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Teamwork and Consultation:
Understanding how to function effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team member in the NICU.
Patient Support and Advocacy:
Understanding how to provide comprehensive and supportive care to the NICU infant and family.
Medical Ethics and Legal Issues:
Becoming familiar with ethical and medical-legal considerations in the care of critically ill newborns.
Your Faculty
Samira Abudinen Vasquez, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Pankaj Agrawal, MD
MMSc Chief, Division of Neonatology
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Eduardo Bancalari, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Merline Benny, MD
Associate Director, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Laura Chavez, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Nelson Claure, MSc, PhD
Research Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Katarzyna Dabrowska, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Teresa Del Moral, MD
MPH Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Shahnaz Duara, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Tania Fontanez, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Marta Grisel Galarza, MD, IBCLC
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Gretell Gomez, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Cristina Navarrete, MD
Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Ilene Sosenko, MD
Associate Director, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Markus Tauscher, MD
Program Director, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Zenaida Tauscher, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Jose Tolosa, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Abdul Wasay Khan, MD
Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Shu Wu, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Karen Young, MD, MS, FAHA
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine
Alumni Placements Include:
Children’s National Hospital
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Children’s
Duke University Medical Center
John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital
And many more…
Alumni Placements Include:
Children’s National Hospital
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Children’s
Duke University Medical Center
John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital
And many more…