Children's National Hospital/George Washington University Program

The Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s National Hospital, in conjunction with George Washington University, focuses on providing world-class training to pediatric residents in a nurturing environment to improve child health on various levels through clinical care, education, advocacy, and research.

Curriculum Overview

This program offers a two-tiered, individualized curriculum tailored to match the learning styles and professional goals of residents. The first tier consists of residency training tracks with common core pediatric training, ensuring that all graduates can provide excellent pediatric care and pursue subspecialty training as needed. There are multiple training tracks, among others, including the Categorical Track, Primary Care Track, and the LAUnCH (Leadership in Advocacy, Under-resourced Communities, and Health Equity) Track, which each complete 24 months of core pediatric training 1.

Training Tracks

The program’s tracks include specific emphases that cater to various interests. The Categorical Track is typical for general pediatric training, while the LAUnCH Track emphasizes advocacy and community healthcare delivery. There are also options for a Research Track for residents with substantial research experience and a combined Residency in Pediatrics and Medical Genetics available 8.

Rotations

Residents will have the opportunity to work in several clinical rotation sites. The primary training site is Children’s National Hospital, which handles over 360,000 patient visits annually, making it the largest provider of pediatric care in D.C. Other locations include George Washington University Hospital for neonatal rotations and Holy Cross Hospital for well nursery experience during internship 11.

Research Opportunities

The Children’s National Hospital is recognized for its research activities. Residents may apply for the dedicated CN Research Track or participate in various research opportunities through the REACH program. This program provides protected research time in the second and third years for residents to engage in clinical, advocacy, and educational research under the mentorship of experienced faculty 7.

Advocacy and Health Equity

Given its location in Washington, D.C., residents are exposed to significant advocacy opportunities. The program incorporates advocacy training into its educational curriculum, including modules on public health policy and community health. The Child Health Advocacy Institute (CHAI) offers residents extensive involvement in advocacy-related research and community advocacy initiatives 4.

Wellness Initiatives

Wellness is a core value of the residency program, and there are numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of residents. This includes scheduled “opt-out” mental health sessions and wellness-focused noon conferences. The program encourages social gatherings, retreats, and other professional development activities 5.

Application Process

The application process is highly competitive, with 40 first-year residency positions available. Applications are reviewed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores are required for consideration. The program accepts J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships for eligible international graduates, making it friendly toward DO and IMG candidates as well 9.

Resident Life

Life as a resident at Children’s National Hospital is designed to foster camaraderie among residents. They refer to themselves as a “bear family,” promoting a supportive environment. Residents enjoy living in Washington, D.C., with numerous social events and cultural activities available to them 10.

Salaries and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries and benefits. The financial package includes annual stipends for transportation and lab coats, as well as access to wellness programs such as individual counseling sessions. Salaries for residents are structured progressively based on the level of training 12.

Experience and Training Sites

Training primarily occurs at Children’s National Hospital, which is equipped to handle a variety of complex pediatric cases, ensuring residents gain experience in urgent and critical situations. Other rotation sites enhance the residency experience and diversity of patient care 13.