Oct 25, 1998
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Program
Overview
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center offers a premier Pediatric Residency Program, designed to prepare competent pediatricians for independent practice and subspecialty training. The institution is recognized nationally, consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for over 15 years. Its Department of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is considered one of the top departments nationwide, with the residency program ranked 3rd by Doximity's Residency Navigator.
1The program's mission includes broad exposure to both general pediatrics and subspecialty patients, strong mentorship from dedicated faculty, and a supportive environment that fosters each trainee's development. Trainees are encouraged to participate in research, quality improvement initiatives, and community-based projects to enhance their learning experience.
1Curriculum and Training Opportunities
The curriculum for the Pediatric Residency Program is robust, consisting of a diverse set of rotations that cover essential pediatric specialties and subspecialties. Residents typically complete rotations in general pediatrics, neonatal care, and various subspecialties, which is particularly essential for building a strong foundation in pediatric medicine.
1In addition to the core categorical residency, Cincinnati Children's provides combined programs for residents interested in a dual focus, such as Medicine/Pediatrics, Pediatrics/Rehabilitation Medicine, and others. The training environment is dynamic, allowing residents to gain experience and competence in inpatient and outpatient settings.
4Research and Academic Exploration
Research is a significant component of the Pediatric Residency Program. Cincinnati Children's is known for its innovative research and has a strong history of contributions to pediatric medicine, including over 30 ACGME-accredited clinical fellowship programs. Residents are encouraged to engage in research that aligns with their interests, and various resources are available to support their pursuits.
5The residency program emphasizes individual pathways, allowing trainees to tailor their training experience as they pursue further academic interests or subspecialty fellowship opportunities after graduation.
5Unique Aspects of the Program
The program’s unique environment encourages residents to build strong relationships not only with patients but also with fellow trainees and faculty members. This family-like atmosphere is highlighted by the support residents receive throughout their training. Every resident is valued as part of the Cincinnati Children’s community, promoting collaboration and mentorship.
6Cincinnati Children’s also ranks as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity and has initiatives focused on wellness, aiming to support residents through the stresses of a rigorous training program.
5Application Requirements and Competitiveness
To apply for the Pediatric Residency Program, prospective residents must submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and provide their USMLE score reports, medical school transcripts, a Dean's letter, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The program is known to be competitive, with a selection process that evaluates academic performance, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
2International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must have ECFMG certification and be eligible for a J-1 Visa. The program values diversity among its candidates and actively encourages applications from all backgrounds.
3Visa Support
The program can sponsor J-1 Visas for International Medical Graduates, facilitating entry into the residency for international applicants. Visa support is crucial for IMGs, as it allows them to participate in specialized training programs that may not be accessible in their home countries.
2Training Sites
Cincinnati Children's Hospital serves as the primary training site for the residency program. Being one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the nation, this setting provides residents with a rich clinical experience involving a wide array of complex pediatric cases. The facility encompasses advanced technology and a commitment to patient-centered care, enhancing the educational experience for residents.
4Resident Life and Community
The residency program prioritizes resident wellness and offers a balanced professional environment. The city of Cincinnati is celebrated for its quality of life, including recreational opportunities, cultural activities, and a supportive community. Residents can enjoy the benefits of city life while feeling supported in a tight-knit residency cohort.
6Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
48, 45, 43 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 26, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:66% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4.6X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: No Limit [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]
First Year Salary: $68,046 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 238–270 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:5 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
19%
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
6%
Indiana University School of Medicine
4%
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
4%
Creighton University School of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
No rotation duration data available.
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
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
A 6-Year-Old Boy With Body Aches.
Explantation of durable ventricular assist device for myocardial functional recovery in children: A report from the ACTION registry.
Location
Cincinnati, OH [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 Cincinnati, OH
Crime Rate and Safety
Cincinnati has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, but specific neighborhoods vary in safety. It's recommended to research the crime statistics of different areas before choosing a place to live.
Fun Activities
Cincinnati offers a vibrant arts scene, including museums, theaters, and music venues. Residents can enjoy beautiful parks, sports events, and delicious local food.
Climate
Cincinnati experiences all four seasons. Winters are cold with some snow, while summers are warm and humid. Fall foliage and spring blooms are highlights of the area.
Races and Population
Cincinnati is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere.
Education
Cincinnati is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, providing educational opportunities for all ages.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cincinnati is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable city to reside in.
Nearby Cities
Dayton, OH is approximately 1 hour away, while Columbus, OH is around 1.5 hours by car. Both cities offer additional entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Pros
- Affordable cost of living
- rich cultural offerings
- diverse population
- access to higher education institutions.
Cons
- Varied safety in different neighborhoods
- winters can be cold.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3203821185
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/8a80245d-bc17-5ad6-6efa-e69a38c223ab
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=010XX00US
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