From the Program Director
Thank you for your interest in the Physician Assistant Post-Graduate Residency in Neonatology at the University of Kentucky. Neonatology is an exciting field in medicine that requires a unique personality, a compassionate heart and a solid work ethic. Due to decreased emphasis on sub-specialty training in medical schools and work-hour limitations placed on pediatric residency programs, neonatologists are becoming increasingly dependent on “physician extenders” such as physician assistants to provide quality medical care to patients and families. We can only expect that this need will grow in the future.
Recognizing this issue, the University of Kentucky is committed to providing a physician assistant post-graduate residency program that will prepare you for a career in neonatal intensive care and provide you with the confidence and experience you need to meet the challenges of neonatal medicine. With this training you will be a more attractive candidate when you enter the workforce, commanding a higher level of responsibility and salary than you could otherwise attain.
By choosing a career in Neonatology, your professional life will be fulfilling in ways you have not imagined. You will touch the lives of newborn babies at the most innocent times of their lives. You will provide comfort and strength to parents when they are at their most vulnerable and in need of help. You will enter a field of professional medicine in which the care you provide really makes a difference in the lives of your patients.
Even if you are not interested in a life-time career in the NICU, having this training will make you more confident and competent in any area of Pediatrics. PAs who are acquainted with neonatal care can be an asset to Pediatric General or Cardiothoracic Surgery services. Neonatal PAs who work in General Pediatrics will not be intimidated by the complex history of an NICU graduate and will have perspectives and insights in to the patient and family situation that those without Neonatology training are lacking.
This packet contains general information about the Physician Assistant Post-Graduate Residency in Neonatology at the University of Kentucky and application materials. If you have any questions about the program or would like to schedule an interview, please feel free to contact me. The staff and I will be happy to help in any way we can.
Eric Reynolds
Neonatology PA Residency Program Director
