Children's Mercy Hospital/University of Kansas Medical Center Program

The Child Neurology Residency at Children’s Mercy Kansas City is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience in child neurology. This residency is structured to include significant clinical experience in an environment that fosters close relationships among colleagues and faculty. It consists of an integrated five-year training program, which comprises two years of pediatric training at Children’s Mercy, one year of adult neurology training at The University of Kansas Medical Center, followed by two additional years dedicated to child neurology at Children’s Mercy 1.

The program is ACGME approved and has a class size of three residents per year. Its structure enables residents to gain varied clinical experiences across a diverse patient population. The faculty within the program are committed to molding residents into skilled clinicians who can effectively advocate for their patients. Upon completion, many graduates proceed to competitive fellowships and various academic and private practice opportunities. The educational focus is on tailoring each resident's education based on their unique clinical interests 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents in the Child Neurology program will engage in both inpatient and outpatient services, gaining hands-on experience with common and rare pediatric neurological disorders. The rotation schedule includes an average home call ratio of 1 to 7, allowing residents to balance hands-on clinical work with educational experiences. The curriculum also incorporates a robust didactic schedule, ensuring comprehensive training throughout the three years of residency 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the Child Neurology Residency. Each resident is assigned a research mentor early in their training and is encouraged to engage in scholarly projects, with the expectation of completing at least one first author publication before graduation. Residents are supported in their research endeavors through opportunities to present at various research days and conferences, as well as through coursework in biostatistics and quality improvement 2.

Application Requirements

The Child Neurology residency program welcomes three residents each year through a categorical application. Prospective applicants must have completed two years of pediatric training or a combination of one year in pediatrics and one year in internal medicine. All applicants should have passed USMLE Steps 1, 2 (CK and CS), and Step 3 prior to training 4. In terms of immigration status, the program primarily accepts international candidates with a J-1 Visa, although H-1B sponsorship may be available under specific circumstances. Applicants must maintain valid ECFMG certification throughout the residency 4.

Salaries and Benefits

The residency program offers competitive salaries and benefits for residents. The salary scales for 2024-25 are as follows: PGY 1 at $69,326.40, PGY 2 at $71,739.20, PGY 3 at $74,484.80, PGY 4 at $78,540.80, and PGY 5 at $79,539.20. Additional benefits include a $1,500 educational stipend per year for educational resources, health and dental insurance, on-site fitness facilities, paid vacation and sick leave, and a tuition allowance of $5,250 per year 1.

Program Unique Aspects

The Child Neurology program at Children’s Mercy emphasizes research and scholarly work, providing residents with the resources they need to thrive in academic pursuits. The Children’s Mercy Research Institute serves as a key resource for faculty and residents engaged in research, fostering collaboration and innovation in pediatric neurology 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, welcoming applications from international medical graduates, though with specific visa restrictions. Most international applicants are considered under the J-1 Visa category, ensuring proper sponsorship by ECFMG, while an H-1B Visa is supported in select cases where applicants have successfully completed Step 3 4.

Resident Wellness and Support

Children's Mercy Kansas City prioritizes resident wellness and the work-life balance of its trainees. The program encourages personalized education plans that foster academic productivity while promoting wellness, allowing residents to integrate their training with their personal lives effectively 1.