Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital/Michigan State University Program

The Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital/Michigan State University Program in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology offers a comprehensive and innovative training experience in a nationally ranked institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This residency provides a unique combination of clinical education, research opportunities, and community advocacy aimed at producing skilled pediatricians committed to improving child health.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements while encouraging residents to develop individualized educational paths through various tracks and electives. Trainees will engage in diverse clinical rotations including inpatient and outpatient pediatrics across subspecialties such as hematology, oncology, and more complex care settings.

Rotations

During the residency, residents are expected to participate in various rotations that encompass different aspects of pediatric care. Residents will engage in inpatient unit rotations, specialty clinics, and receive training in critical care settings such as the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A focus on leadership and community health is integrated throughout the training process.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents have access to a broad array of research opportunities supported by expert faculty within the Corewell Health system and partnerships with academic institutions. Research topics can span clinical trials in pediatric oncology, translational research, quality improvement projects, and more. All residents are encouraged to present their research findings at local, regional, and national conferences.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Corewell Health program distinguishes itself through its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting a supportive learning environment. The program encourages open dialogue about challenges such as resilience and burnout among residents. An innovative aspect includes a month-long clinic immersion and advocacy rotation for first-year residents, allowing them to understand local healthcare dynamics and policies that impact child health.

Training Sites

The primary site for training is the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, recognized for its comprehensive pediatric services and an extensive range of pediatric subspecialties. The hospital serves as a tertiary and quaternary center for complex cases and provides opportunities to engage in pioneering procedures and state-of-the-art care for the pediatric population.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, specifically supporting J-1 visas. Applicants must have valid work authorization and those seeking J-1 status must fulfill the requirements accordingly.

Competitiveness

The program is competitive, valuing diverse backgrounds and experiences, making it friendly for both MD and DO applicants as well as international medical graduates. Notably, the program emphasizes the importance of recent clinical experience within the United States, which enhances applicant profiles.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants are required to have graduated medical school within the last three years and must submit their applications exclusively through ERAS. The program encourages submitting Step 2 exam results, although they are not mandatory prior to interview. Other factors considered in the application review include excellent communication skills and the overall fit of the candidate within the program’s mission.