Full Circle Health (Boise) Program

The Pediatrics Residency of Idaho offers a unique training environment focused on producing outstanding pediatricians who can lead their communities through effective advocacy and high-quality care, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

Mission and Vision
The program aims to train broad spectrum pediatricians capable of working in various settings, including those that serve populations in high need, such as rural Idaho. As the first pediatrics residency program based out of a Federally Qualified Health Center, it emphasizes community-based residency training and the development of leadership skills essential for effective advocacy in pediatric health care. The mission is to serve children, adolescents, and their families with equitable, affordable care within a collaborative environment 1.

Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to provide residents with comprehensive training in both inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, including subspecialty rotations. Moreover, it integrates significant focus on rural pediatrics, advocacy, and community medicine. Each resident participates in a longitudinal clinic experience that fits within an innovative X+Y schedule, facilitating continuity of care with pre-registered patients 4.

The training encompasses blocks that cover:
- Outpatient Primary Care Pediatrics
- Inpatient Pediatrics (including NICU and PICU)
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics
- Community and Rural Pediatrics 4.

Research Opportunities
The Pediatrics Residency of Idaho actively promotes scholarly activities, encouraging residents to engage in research that concerns pediatric health, healthcare delivery, and advocacy. Faculty members participate in numerous research projects, linking residents to a broader network of pediatric professionals for collaboration on impactful studies 8.

Clinical Rotations and Sites
Pediatrics residents practice across several well-regarded facilities, primarily:

• Full Circle Health – Boise Pediatrics: This clinic focuses on preventive care and early detection of illnesses, serving children and young adults up to 18 years. It also provides a wide range of support services, including interpreting services for non-English speaking families, and it operates on a sliding scale fee structure for uninsured patients 1.
• St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital: As the only children's hospital in Idaho, St. Luke's combines more than 150 pediatric specialists and a dedicated nursing team to ensure comprehensive pediatric care 1.

Community and Extracurricular Activities
Residents participate in the Ada County Medical Society and have access to free membership with the Idaho Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The program emphasizes reaching out through local advocacy groups, community engagement, and outdoor recreational activities integral to the Boise lifestyle 5.

Furthermore, the residency integrates wellness programs that include mental health support for residents, organized family social events, and several recreational opportunities, enhancing work-life balance and fostering team spirit 6.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
The commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is paramount in the residency's operations, focusing on understanding and addressing systemic inequalities in healthcare. The residency has adopted principles to ensure that education and recruitment are inclusive and representative of the communities served 7.

Application Process and Requirements
Applications for the residency program are accepted exclusively through the ERAS system. International medical graduates must demonstrate proficiency in English and hold passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and 2. The program does not sponsor visas, and candidates should ideally not be more than two years out of medical school without relevant experience in healthcare or research. A minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one from a practicing pediatrician, is required 2.
Interview invitations are extended based on the application review, and interviews take place in a virtual format to enhance accessibility for all applicants 3.

Resident Life
Residents are supported throughout their training with a focus on wellness and professional growth. They are encouraged to foster mentorship relationships with faculty and engage in community involvement through service initiatives specifically designed for pediatric health advocacy 6.

Clinical Exposure and Responsibilities
Residents experience increasing levels of responsibility throughout their training, managing patient care under supervision and gaining skills necessary for independent practice upon graduation. Each year includes dedicated rotations specifically designed for hands-on, practical learning experiences to prepare them for their future roles as pediatricians 4.