Medical College of Wisconsin Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) Fellowship Program

Inpatient hospital medicine rotations at Children’s Wisconsin
Fellows will rotate on of our academic hospitalist inpatient services and gain experience managing common pediatric conditions, rare diseases, and medically complex children. The inpatient experience will include time working on the resident service, the APP team, and night/call shifts. Triage, complex care coordination, and surgical co-management will be emphasized throughout the rotations. Bedside and didactic teaching and supervision of medical students, residents, APPs, NP students, and PA students will occur during these rotations.

Community hospital medicine rotations
Fellows will rotate at Children’s Wisconsin Fox Valley, gaining experience with providing care outside of an academic center. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based community practice, triage and level-of-care decisions, and delivery experience.

Required key clinical rotations
Fellows will rotate though other clinical services in the Department of Pediatrics to gain essential experiences and skill that are central to a career in hospital medicine. Rotations will include newborn nursery, special needs/complex care, sedation, palliative care, and others.

Elective rotations
Fellows will have the opportunity to select clinical and non-clinical electives that align with their individual interests and career goals.

Longitudinal experiences
Throughout fellowship, teaching and medical education, leadership/administration, quality-improvement, co-management, and other areas will be built upon as part of rotations and clinical experiences.

Research and scholarly activities
Fellows will have significant time dedicated to a research/scholarly project, with the expectation of a scholarly product by the end of fellowship. We will work with you to identify a project and mentorship early in fellowship and partner with you to meet this goal.

Conference Series
The following fellows-centered didactic curriculum will complement the clinical and other educational experiences to ensure a well-rounded educational experience:

PHM Fellows Conferences

PHM Fellows Core Conference

• Lecture series led by hospitalists and other institutional expert speakers
• Topics based on American Board of Pediatrics Content Specifications for PHM
• Engaging, interactive, case-based

PHM Board Review Curriculum

• Semi-annual lecture series (alternates with PARC)
• Led by hospitalists to help prepare fellows for the PHM board examination
• Question-based sessions on high-yield topics

Pediatric Event Review and Learning (PEaRL) Curriculum

• Didactic sessions to provide foundational skills of event review
• Fellows will each help lead an event review for the PHM section

Quality Improvement Learning Lab (QuILL)

• Lecture series for PHM fellows on QI structure and tools
• Didactic sessions led by QI experts in the institution
• Supports fellows in their participation of a QI project

Medical Education Curriculum

• Two 1-week sessions led by MedEd experts in PHM
• Discusses fundamentals of bedside teaching, classroom teaching, mentorship, scholarship and leadership
• Culminates in multiple MedEd work products

Multidisciplinary Conference Series

FACTS

• Required quarterly sessions bringing academicians-in training from all pediatric fellowships covering a broad range of topics for the professional development of fellows
• Sessions hand-picked by PHM Fellowship program director to match level of training

Department of Pediatric Conferences

Pediatric Grand Rounds
Weekly lecture for staff physicians, fellows, residents and students led by local and nationally recognized experts in various pediatric-specific topics

Professor Rounds
Weekly interactive hospital-wide clinical case presentation conference led by Pediatric senior residents where they get to quiz the faculty and fellows. A beloved tradition at Children’s Wisconsin!

Schwartz Rounds
Monthly multidisciplinary forum where clinical caregivers discuss difficult emotional and social issues arising from the care of patients

View Clinical Schedule and Elective Offerings (PDF)

As a fellow in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Program you will have the opportunity to gain extensive clinical experience at both Children's Wisconsin Main Campus and Fox Valley. Patient care activities include extensive inpatient service experience, including rotations in hospital medicine, newborn nursery, pulmonary consults, procedural sedation, special needs/complex care, and palliative medicine. Elective options include transport medicine, emergency medicine, multiple subspecialty electives, infectious disease, behavioral health, and more!

After successful recruitment, rising fellows will be contacted to identify an area of interest, such as clinical research, quality improvement/safety, or educational scholarship. We will work with you to connect with a faculty mentor/coach to help you select a project and support you throughout your fellowship so you can meet the ACGME requirements for scholarly productivity. The FACTS and Hospital Medicine Fellows’ Curriculum will help fellows develop skills in study design and research methodology, grant writing, statistical analysis, and other fundamentals.

Education
Fellows receive formal training in research design and statistics, and become competent in scientific writing. The scholarship study design curriculum is scheduled early in the first year. Statistical guidance is available in the section and through MCW. Fellows create their scholarship oversight committees which have the responsibility of supervising the fellow's research efforts. This committee meets quarterly and reports to the fellowship director who monitors research activity and productivity. Manuscript and abstract preparation skills are emphasized in didactic and individual sessions.

Mentoring
Each fellow will choose a faculty member to assist him/her in developing and conducting a scholarly project. The faculty mentor will provide advice on study design, data collection, abstract preparation and manuscript writing. The fellowship director will be available to provide advice and is responsible for monitoring the fellow's progress in research.

Focused Time
In addition to 32 weeks of focused time for research, the fellowship has been designed to allow on-going time for research during most weeks of training.

Research Expectations
The fellow is expected to design and complete a significant study of publishable quality during the fellowship. The fellow must produce a peer-reviewed manuscript, as outlined by the ABP, by the end of fellowship, with the goal of presenting the research at local, regional, and national conferences. The manuscript does not need to be submitted or published at time of graduation, but a complete manuscript must be reviewed by the Scholarly Oversight Committee. The fellow will be encouraged to collaborate on additional projects as appropriate.

Areas of Scholarship
Scholarship may be done in any area of pediatric hospital medicine, including but not limited to medical education, quality improvement, clinical research and health advocacy research.

Statistical Analysis
Available within the Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and through MCW.

While on a hospital medicine team, you will be responsible for a team of patients, leading rounds that includes medical students, residents, APPs and/or APP students, while under the supervision (direct and indirect) of a PHM faculty member.

Assignments to the various coverage roles will include pager triage, staffing patients during times of daily peak volume, and coordinating care during handoffs.

Research blocks will allow you to focus on your research topic either at the hospital or off site. Regularly scheduled meetings with your mentorship team will ensure that you stay on target.

Our 2-year fellowship program is ACGME accredited and begins on July 1 each year. We accept two fellows every year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must have completed a US-accredited residency program. Applications from prospective applicants are accepted from July through October via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We will access your application and contact you to make interview arrangements.

Complete applications should include the following:

• ERAS application form
• At least 3 letters of reference including Program Director letter
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation/Dean's Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• MD Applicants: USMLE scores - Steps 1, 2, and 3 or
• DO Applicants: COMLEX scores – Levels 1, 2 and 3
• ECFMG certificate for foreign medical school graduates (see visa information below)

Our program currently accepts the following visas:

• Permanent Resident Visa
• Visitor Exchange Visa sponsored by ECFMG (J-1)
• Temporary Professional Workers (H-1B)

View MCWAH visa information

Fellows are employed by the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH). View their website for information regarding vacations, leaves, insurance, stipends and professional liability.

MCWAH Benefits, Conditions, and Terms of Employment

Eligible candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited Pediatric residency and be board-eligible in pediatrics at the start of fellowship training. Candidates must be able to be licensed in the State of Wisconsin.

Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals does accept visas, as per their policy.

View MCWAH visa information

As a fellow, you will participate in the FACTS Program and embark on a journey that not only enhances your professional skills but also fosters meaningful connections with peers across various pediatric subspecialties. FACTS is a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your education through career development, scholarly activities, and personalized learning experiences. FACTS offers centralized education on core topics relevant to all pediatric subspecialties, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among fellows. The curriculum emphasizes individualized education by providing multiple offerings in certain time slots, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and career goals. Through shared learning sessions and collaborative projects, you'll build lasting relationships that support both your personal and professional growth, preparing you to excel as a well-rounded pediatric subspecialist.

Learn more about our curriculum

Danielle Owerko

Scholarly & QI Project: “Driving Down the Bilirubin: Using quality improvement methodology to improve the care of infants admitted for phototherapy after the birth hospitalization.”

Supplemental Training: Kern Kinetic3 Excellence in Teaching (EIT) Track (completed 6/2023) - Excellence in Quality Improvement Principles (EQuIP) Program (completed 3/2024) – Epic Physician Builder Certification (completed 12/2023) Leadership (Committees, etc): - PHM Section Quality Improvement Sub-Committee – Member - Children’s Wisconsin Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia System-Wide Pathway Development Team – Member, PHM Representative for Literature Review -AAP SOHM Emerging Leaders Conference

Peer Reviewed Presentations:

1. Owerko D, Nelson A, Preloger E. A Curious Trend: Prolonged Length of Stay for Infants with Hyperbilirubinemia During the Viral Surge, Poster Presenter, American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition (Washington D.C.), 10/23/2024.
2. Owerko D, Burek A, Hadjiev J. All in His HEADSS: A Teenager with New Onset Focal Seizures, Super Conundrum Oral Presenter, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting (Philadelphia, PA),08/05/2023.
3. Owerko D, McCarthy P, Muriello M. Apnea, lactic acidosis, and hypoglycemia…Oh my! A neonate’s journey down the mysterious diagnostic yellow brick road, Oral Presenter, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting (Lake Buena Vista, FL), 07/30/2022.
4. Owerko D, Ryan K, Cabacungan E, Yan K, Saudek K. Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Variability in Knowledge and Practice Habits, Poster Presenter, Pediatric Academic Societies National Meeting, (Denver, CO), 04/25/2022.
5. Owerko D, Ryan K, Cabacungan E, Yan K, Saudek K. Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Variability in Knowledge and Practice Habits, Virtual Poster Presenter, American Pediatric Association Regions 5 and 6 Joint Conference (Virtual), 03/04/2022.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

1. Owerko D. Crystal, Cake, and K2: What teens are smoking, snorting, shooting, and swallowing. PHM National Conference Session Summary for The Hospitalist, published 11/01/2023
2. Owerko D, Ryan K, Cabacungan E, Yan K, Saudek K. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: Assessing variation in knowledge and practice. PLoS One. 2023 Feb 28;18(2):e0282413.doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282413. PMID: 36854033; PMCID: PMC9974112.

Chrissy McKinney

Scholarly Project: Impact of COVID-19 and MIS-C on Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with Common Bacterial Infections

QI Project: Eliminating Monitor Overuse Study, Rhabdomyolysis Clinical Pathway Guideline

Supplemental Training: Kinetic3 Excellence in Teaching Program

Publications:

1. Scott MW, Metcalf C, Bhadury S, Feygin Y, Neal AE. Impact ofCOVID-19 pandemic healthcare restrictions on utilisation and diagnostic yield of outpatient transthoracic echocardiograms. Cardiol Young. 2022 Nov16:1-6. doi: 10.1017/S1047951122003535. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36380489.
2. Qureshi AM, Goldstein BH, Glatz AC, Agrawal H, Aggarwal V, Ligon RA, McCracken C, McDonnell A, Buckey TM, Whiteside W, Metcalf CM, Petit CJ. Classification Scheme for Ductal Morphology in Cyanotic Patients with Ductal Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow and Association with Outcomes of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stenting. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2019 Apr1;93(5):933-943. PMID:30790426
3. Glatz AC, Petit CJ, Goldstein BH, Kelleman MS, McCracken CE, McDonnell A, Buckey T, Mascio CE, Shashidharan S,Ligon RA, Ao J, Whiteside W, Wallen WJ, Metcalf CM, Aggarwal V, Agrawal H, Qureshi AM. Comparison Between Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent and Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt as Palliation for Infants with Ductal Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Insights from the Congenital Catheterization Research Collaborative. Circulation. 2018 Feb 6; 137(6): 589-601. PMID: 29042354
4. Whiteside W, Tretter JT, Aboulhosn J, Aldoss O, Armstrong AK, Bocks ML, Gillespie MJ, Jones TK, Martin MH, Meadows JJ, Metcalf CM, Turner ME, Zellers T, Goldstein BH. Acute and Midterm Outcomes of Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement for Treatment of Dysfunctional Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Conduits in Patients with Aortopulmonary Transposition and a Systemic Right Ventricle. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2017 Sep;10(9). PMID: 2885171
5. Kaddourah A, Basu RK, Bagshaw SM, GoldsteinSL, [and AWARE Study Investigators, including Metcalf C]. Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children and Young Adults.

Presentations:

1. McKinney CM, Patterson A. Development of a Pediatrics Medical Education Elective Using the Six Step Approach to Curriculum Development. Poster Presentation at the Gradating Resident Research Symposium, Norton Children’s Hospital, June 2022.
2. Metcalf CM, Scott MW, Maqsood S, Holland B, Neal A. Native Mitral Valve Thrombus in a Teenager with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Poster Presentation at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions, June 2021.
3. Metcalf CM, Patel AK, Schwenk KM. An Atypical Presentation of an Atypical Bacteria: Mycoplasma Pneumonia – Induced Erythema Nodosum and Mucositis in a Teenage Female. Poster Presentation at the Heartland Hospital Medicine Poster Conference Virtual Poster Contest, August 2020.
4. Patel AK, Metcalf CM, Schwenk KM. The Deteriorating Teenager: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in a Previously Healthy Adolescent Female. Poster Presentation at the Heartland Hospital Medicine Poster Conference Virtual Poster Contest, August 2020.
5. Metcalf CM, Veldtman G, Goldstein SL, Bennett M, Seckeler MD, Cooper D, Pitner HE, Radomsky A, Goldstein BH. Subclinical Chronic Kidney Injury is Common in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Fontan Circulation: Results of a Urinary Biomarker Study. Oral Presentation at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, Nov 2018.
6. Metcalf CM, Veldtman G, Goldstein SL, Goldstein BH. AKI in Fontan-Palliated Patients: Incidence and Risk Factors. Poster Presentation at the Clinical Research Professionals State of the Union. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, April 2015.

Riley Boland

Scholarly Project: Creation of a Needs-Focused Supplemental Teaching Didactic for the Pediatric Clerkship

QI Projects:

• REVISE II
• Discharge Delay Prevention
• Better Antibiotic Selection in Children (BASiC)
• Pediatric Clerkship Needs Assessment

Publications and Presentations:

• Boland R, Lauck S. Creation of a Needs-Focused Supplemental Teaching Didactic for the Pediatric Clerkship. University of Southern California Innovations in Medical Education Conference. Poster Session. 2022, Feb. Los Angeles, California
• Boland RS, Kelly MM. Characteristic Differences in Hospitalized Children with Complicated and Community-Acquired Pneumonia. AAP News. February 2021.

Leann Madion

Scholarly Project: Overweight Infants Hospitalized with Bronchiolitis at Risk for More Severe Disease

QI Project: AAP Bronchiolitis Workgroup

Supplemental Training: Kinetic 3 Excellence in Teaching Program

Leadership: Children’s Wisconsin Patient Experience Committee Representative

Publications and Presentations:

• Madion L. Overweight infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis at risk for more severe disease. American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition. Virtual. Oct 8-11, 2021.
• Madion L, Rogers, A. A Virtual Solution to Teaching Communication Skills to Pediatric Residents. Pediatric Academic Society. Poster Presentation. Apr 21-25, 2022.
  Swartz S. Madion L, Corbin B. Tired of Missing the Tap? Using Ultrasound to Improve Lumbar Puncture Success. Pediatric Academic Society. Workshop Facilitator. Apr 21-25, 2022.

Bethany Corbin

Scholarly Project: Needs Assessment of Children with Medical Complexity to Identify Barriers for Transitional Care in the Inpatient Setting

QI Project: Antibiotic De-sensitization and de-escalation of low risk Penicillin Allergies

Supplemental Training: Kinetic3 Medical Educator program

Publications and Presentations:

• Swartz S, Madion L, Corbin B, Tired of Missing the Tap? Using Ultrasound to Improve Lumbar Puncture Success. Pediatric Academic Society Conference 2022. Denver, CO. Workshop Facilitator. Apr 21-25, 2022.
• Corbin B, McCarthy P. Crushing Back Pain with a Crushing Diagnosis. Pediatric Hospital Medicine Conference 2022. Orlando, FL. Clinical Conundrum Poster Presentation. July 2022.

Lauren Titus

Scholarly Project: Creating a Curriculum of LGBTQ+ Liberation and Inclusion for Pediatric Hospital Medicine Providers Informed by Qualitative Research with LGBTQ+ Youth

QI Project: Impact of implicit bias on racial disparities in patient & family interactions with hospital security

Supplemental Training: Kinetic3 Medical Educator Research Track

Publications and Presentations:

• Titus L, Stephany A, Porada K, McFadden V. Intent, Substance, and Care: Characteristics of Adolescent Ingestion Hospitalizations. Hosp Pediatr 2021 02;11(2):160-166 PMID: 33468552 01/21/2021.
• Hall JM, Havens PL, Mitchell EA, De Vela GN, Titus LL, Dasgupta M, Simpson PM, Kehl SC, Willoughby RE, Henrickson KJ, Mitchell ML, Huppler AR, Chusid MJ. Blastomycosis in 64 Wisconsin Children: Unanticipated Infection Risk and Severity in Urban Residents. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2021 09 01;40(9):802-807 PMID: 33990518 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85112752993 05/16/2021.
• Christianson K, Kalinowski A, Bauer S, Liu Y, Titus L, Havas M, Lynch K, Rogers A. Using Quality Improvement Methodology to Increase Communication of Discharge Criteria on Rounds. Hosp Pediatr 2022 02 01;12(2):156-164 PMID: 34988584 01/07/2022.
• Titus L. That “Gnawing” Feeling that You’re Missing Something: A Case of Transaminitis Initially Attributed to an Ingestion. Accepted for poster presentation at PHM 2022.
• Titus L. Hints Gleaned from the Spleen: An Unusual Cause of Neonatal Sepsis. Accepted for oral presentation at PHM 2022.
• Titus L, Kosasih M, Liegl M, Pan A, Porada K, McFadden V. Characteristics of Adolescent Drug Ingestions Requiring Intensive Care Unit Stay. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 2022. Online Clinical Investigation. 2022 Dec 26; 34(3):1-9.
• Syed A, Bryant A, Titus L, Aggarwhal P, Zetley L, Bauer S, Willie C, Dowell J. A Retrospective Review of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Security Activations at Children’s Wisconsin. Poster presentation. Presented at: MCW’s 2022 Community Engagement Poster Session. Milwaukee, WI. November 3, 2022.
• Bryant A, Syed A, Titus L, Aggarwhal P, Zetley L, Bauer S, Willie C, Dowell J. A Retrospective Review of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Security Activations at Children’s Wisconsin. Poster presentation. Presented at: Best Practices in Pediatrics 2023 Hybrid Conference. Baraboo, WI. March 3-4, 2023.
• Titus L, Bryant A, Syed A, Zetley L, Bauer S, Willie C, Dowell J. A Retrospective Review of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Security Activations at Children’s Wisconsin. Poster presentation. Accepted for presentation at: Pediatric Academic Societies 2023. Washington, D.C. April 27-May 1, 2023.
• Titus L, Porada K, Liegl M, Pan A, McFadden V. Declines in Diagnosing Adolescent Chlamydia Infections During COVID-19. Poster presentation. Accepted for presentation at Pediatric Academic Societies 2023. Washington, D.C. April 27-May 1, 2023.

Bethany Corbin, MD
Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Hospitalist
University of Rochester Medical Center
Strong Memorial, Rochester, NY

Lauren Titus, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Leann Madion, MD
Staff Hospitalist
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville, TN

Riley Boland, MD
Clinical Associate
Department of Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL

Milwaukee is one of the Midwest’s best kept secrets – a vibrant, welcoming city that offers big city culture with an unmatched quality of life. Nestled along Lake Michigan and just 90 minutes north of Chicago, Milwaukee blends diverse neighborhoods, a thriving food scene, lakefront trails, and a nationally known festival culture into a place that’s easy to live in and easy to love.

Our residents and fellows consistently highlight Milwaukee’s affordability, short commutes, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor spaces, restaurants, coffee shops, and festivals year round. From Summerfest and neighborhood farmers markets to beer gardens, bike trails, and the lakefront, there’s always something to explore – and time to enjoy it.

Explore Milwaukee through the eyes of our trainees

Our talented faculty members are excited to assist you throughout your fellowship.

Meet our faculty

Liz Smits, '26
"I chose MCW for my pediatric hospital medicine fellowship because it merges exceptional clinical training with an inclusive PHM section and an individualized curriculum. The PHM section as a whole bends over backwards to ensure fellows are treated as an equal members of the section, while providing numerous opportunities for involvement in quality improvement, patient safety, clinical research, and medical education. With such a diverse group of people and clinical interests, the PHM section is full of great mentors willing to guide fellows through their scholarly projects and personal interests. Additionally, fellows have the ability to create an individualized schedule that allows them to pursue their unique clinical and professional pursuits, while also having a wonderful work-life balance. Fellows have ample time to explore the beautiful city of Milwaukee and all it has to offer, including outstanding food, a vast music and art scene, and a variety of college and professional sports. I could not be happier with my decision continue my medical training at MCW and live in the vibrant city of Milwaukee."

Katie Krause, '25
“Being med/peds trained, I was first drawn to MCW because the program had graduated a med/peds hospital medicine fellow. I love having a variety of opportunities to keep up my internal medicine skills. Since starting here, I have been so impressed by the pediatric hospitalist section. The hospitalists are invested in improving care for their patients. They work hard to keep clinical practice guidelines up to date and to disseminate their academic work. They are also supportive and welcoming colleagues! Milwaukee is very approachable but also has unique features for a city its size, like a thriving downtown, Lake Michigan shoreline, and world-class restaurants and music festivals.”