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BayCare Health System/St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Program
Overview
Program Overview
BayCare's Pediatrics Residency Program is a fully accreditedprogram based out of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, FL,with an annual intake of eight residents. This program is uniquelydesigned to focus on community-care and aims to provide essentialservices to children and their families across various locations inWest Central Florida.
Joining BayCare offers an exceptional medical trainingexperience and opportunities for a fulfilling career within anetwork of top-performing, not-for-profit hospitals and outpatientcenters. As a new program, BayCare not only emphasizes innovationbut also encourages residents to contribute new ideas that fosterprogram design, structure, and continuous improvement.
One of the foundational principles of the program is tocultivate a collaborative environment among residents and faculty,creating a community of teachers and learners. The leadershipstrives to inspire, educate, and learn from each other throughoutthe training process, fostering a culture of mutualdevelopment.
1Applicant Criteria
Applications are accepted through the Electronic ResidencyApplication Service (ERAS) and are selected via the NationalResident Matching Program (NRMP). It is essential that applicantsinclude the following items in their application:
- CV
- Personal statement
- Medical school transcripts
- Medical school performance evaluation (MSPE) or Dean’sletter
- Official USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS), COMLEX (Level 1,Level 2-CE, Level 2-PE) transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Applicants must be within two years of graduation from medicalschool
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
Currently, the program does not consider applications thatrequire J1 or H1B visa sponsorship. This specificity can impactinternational medical graduates looking to apply for residency.
2Clinical Curriculum
The clinical training consists of thirteen four-week blockrotations each year, ensuring a comprehensive foundation in bothgeneral and subspecialty pediatric care. Residents embark ontraining tracks that provide varied schedules tailored to theireducational needs. Each resident is assigned to a continuity clinicwithin the BayCare Health System, participating in half-day weeklysessions that emphasize primary care through longitudinal patientcare, which is vital for developing practical skills.
3Didactic Curriculum
The didactic curriculum includes several integrated learningopportunities aimed at enriching the clinical training:
- Morning Report: This conference series occurson Tuesday and Thursday mornings, focusing on clinical reasoningskills through case-based presentations that encourage dynamicdiscussions.
- Academic Half Day: Every Wednesday afternoon,residents engage in an 18-month series covering essential topicsrecommended by the American Board of Pediatrics, along withsubjects like diversity and inclusion, wellness, and qualityimprovement.
- Board Review: This weekly session is gearedtoward preparing residents for board certification throughhigh-yield, multi-modal interactive formats.
- Journal Club: Once a month, residents engagein literature review discussions led by faculty, enhancing criticalthinking and scholarly skills.
- Grand Rounds: Monthly virtual presentationscover timely medical topics, forming a core educational aspect ofthe program.
Faculty
The program faculty consists of dedicated educators with diversebackgrounds and experiences. They are focused on fostering residentgrowth, offering mentorship and support through training. Facultymembers include board-certified pediatricians with expertise invarious subspecialties who emphasize the importance ofcompassionate care and evidence-based practice.
5Salary and Benefits
The program provides competitive salary packages andcomprehensive benefits to ensure that residents are well-supportedthroughout their training. Specific details regarding compensationand benefits can be found through the program’s designatedchannels. These benefits are structured to enhance the well-beingof residents while facilitating their professional development.
6Living in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay offers a vibrant living experience with access toprofessional sports, cultural arts, and year-round beautifulweather. Residents can enjoy various recreational and leisureactivities, including beaches, museums, and outdoor events. Theeducational landscape features several well-regarded schools anduniversities, enhancing the quality of life for those in the area.With no state income tax, Tampa Bay presents a financiallyadvantageous environment for young professionals.
7Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
8, 8, 8 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 26, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:13% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.2X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: No Limit [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 25 days [1]
First Year Salary: $66,361 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 224–256 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:-- [2]
YOG Cutoff:2 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
25%
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Erie
21%
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
8%
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
8%
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
Match History [4]
Roster
Location
Tampa, FL [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Tampa, FL
Crime Rate and Safety
Tampa has a moderate crime rate with neighborhoods varying in safety. It's advisable to research specific areas before settling in.
Fun Activities
Tampa offers a wide range of activities including beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and vibrant nightlife.
Climate
Tampa has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities year-round.
Races and Population
Tampa is a diverse city with a population that includes a mix of various races and ethnicities.
Education
Tampa is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tampa is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor to consider.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Orlando is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Tampa, making it easily accessible for weekend getaways to enjoy theme parks and entertainment.
Pros
- Beautiful beaches
- diverse culture
- ample entertainment options.
Cons
- Higher cost of living
- traffic congestion in certain areas.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Pediatrics Programs Near Tampa, FL
Other specialties near Tampa, FL
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3201100001
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/192854a9-ae28-58c3-9fc1-68bc47d440c4
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US1271000
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr