Advanced Nutrition Fellowship

The Advanced Nutrition Fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a one-year, specialized training program offering unparalleled clinical depth and rigor, as well as opportunities for cutting-edge clinical, translational, and basic science research.

The role of nutrition is increasingly being recognized in children with acute and chronic disease processes. Research into the microbiome, metabolomics, and human-environment interactions has become more sophisticated, informing new treatment paradigms and making it increasingly important for physicians to be well-versed in the latest evidence-based approaches.

While all pediatric gastroenterologists undergo some nutrition training during fellowship, the scope and depth of this training within the discipline varies significantly; other subspecialists may receive very little nutrition instruction. Since 1997, the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists has prescribed standards for physician training and certification in clinical nutrition. However, CHOP’s excellence in training physician leaders across a range of specialties in nutrition predates this effort by a decade. We have a strong track record providing advanced training in nutrition for pediatric gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, nephrologists, and other pediatric subspecialists since 1987.

The Advanced Nutrition Fellowship at CHOP is one of a few programs in the country focused exclusively on pediatric nutritional challenges. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers and leadership roles in patient care, academics, and industry around the world.

Fellows will work directly with experts from our Nutrition Center within the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. The experience includes:

• A structured curriculum that addresses clinical, research, and didactic components that prepare graduates for board certification by the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists.
• World-renowned faculty with more than 200 years of combined experience treating patients and conducting clinical, translational, and basic science research.
• Physicians, nurse practitioners, and dietitians with significant expertise in nutritional disorders and nutrition support across the spectrum of age and disease.

We will:

• Train pediatric subspecialists as master clinicians to deliver comprehensive medical care to pediatric patients with nutritional disorders
• Train pediatricians to become experts in:
  • The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of nutritional disorders
  • Nutrition-focused diagnostics, including focused physical exam, laboratory evaluation, and imaging modalities
  • Evidence-based therapeutic strategies encompassing medical and nutritional approaches in inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Advanced analytic techniques including indirect calorimetry, body composition assessment, and measures of functional status
  • Critical evaluation of nutrition literature
  • Psychosocial aspects of nutrition care and support
• Prepare the successful fellow for leadership roles within academic settings and advocacy organizations
• Prepare the successful fellow to effectively collaborate with other members of the care team, referring physicians, primary care doctors, and other providers within the pediatric nutrition community

Over the course of 12 focused rotations, the fellow will undertake a broad survey of nutritional disorders in a variety of settings:

• Outpatient Nutrition Clinics (2 months)
• Inpatient Nutrition Support Service (2 months)
• Intestinal Rehabilitation (1 month)
• Eating Disorders/Healthy Weight/Obesity (1.5 months)
• Metabolism/Endocrinology (1.5 months)
• Feeding Disorders (1 month)
• Elective/Research (3 months)

Fellows are expected to participate in one to two longitudinal clinical experiences of their choice, such as Celiac Disease, Intestinal Rehabilitation, Healthy Weight, Bone Health, CF/Pancreas, or Ketogenic Diet clinics.

Fellows will attend and participate in divisional didactic and conference experiences, including the long-running weekly Nutrition Seminar series.

Research opportunities are available but not required. Fellows interested in research are encouraged to apply for the NASGPHAN Foundation/Abbot Nutrition Advanced Training in Pediatric Nutrition Grant.

Applicants for the Advanced Nutrition Fellowship must have completed a pediatric fellowship in the United States or Canada before entering the program. Candidates from outside the U.S. or Canada require equivalent training. Subspecialists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2023.

Prospective fellows are encouraged to contact Sherri Cohen, MD, MPH, at cohens@chop.edu.

Selected applicants will be interviewed in person or via video.

Download the application.

As part of the application process, please send your personal statement, CV, medical school transcript, and dean’s letter (medical school performance evaluation). Please have three letters of recommendation sent directly by the authors. Please send all materials to Sherri Cohen, MD, MPH, at cohens@chop.edu and Ashelle Collins at collinsa6@chop.edu.

Sherri S. Cohen, MD, MPH
Fellowship Director
cohens@chop.edu
267-426-0073