Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

LSU Health Shreveport's Pediatric Residency Program aims to cultivate the next generation of pediatric leaders by providing comprehensive training over three years. The program admits eight residents per year, totaling 24 residents. The overarching goal is to develop compassionate and scholarly pediatricians equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in both primary care and subspecialty practice.

The training program emphasizes three core components: education within a safe and supportive environment, advocacy for children and families, and the overall wellness of the residents. The faculty and administration are committed to nurturing a culture where resident insights and decisions are valued, thereby fostering a positive and constructive learning environment 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency structure incorporates significant clinical exposure across various specialized areas within pediatrics. Each resident takes active roles as primary care providers under faculty supervision, ensuring a hands-on learning experience. The clinical training spans month-long blocks dedicated to different rotations, including Ambulatory Clinic, Inpatient Wards, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Emergency Room, Neonatal Intensive Care, and the Newborn Nursery, among others. The program's residents benefit from access to a diverse range of pathologies and medical cases, enhancing their readiness for fellowship training and future practice goals 2.

Daily educational activities include didactic teaching conferences and morning reports to foster continuous learning. This is complemented by a dedicated Pediatric MedStudy Board Review Curriculum provided to first-year residents to ensure they are equipped for success on board examinations and their clinical duties 1.

Training Sites

Clinical training occurs at various sites affiliated with LSU Health Shreveport. Key training sites include:

• Ochsner LSU Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC): This location hosts all inpatient pediatric care, comprising a 22-bed pediatric ward, an 8-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and a 40-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center (OLHS): This site encompasses all general pediatric outpatient clinics and pediatric emergency services, featuring a Level 1 Trauma Center, which is critical for high-acuity care 2.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research as part of its residency training. An annual research poster presentation allows residents to present findings from their projects, showcasing their contributions and abilities in scholarly work. This initiative also encourages collaboration with mentors and fosters an environment that values research as an essential component of pediatric practice 3.

Resident Wellness

Recognizing the demanding nature of residency training, the program prioritizes resident wellness. Facilities such as an on-campus gym and a designated resident lounge facilitate physical health and provide personal space for downtime. Additionally, the program organizes various social events and retreats focused on professional development and community-building among residents. This supportive environment cultivates a family atmosphere, with activities and gatherings designed to strengthen the bond among residents 4.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications to the Pediatric Residency Program are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program offers eight PGY-1 positions annually, and international medical graduates (IMGs) are welcome to apply but must register through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). It is important to note that LSU Health Shreveport sponsors J-1 visas only. There is no minimum USMLE score required for application, but applicants must have passed USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills) on their first attempt, and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners limits the number of attempts for Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 3 to four 1 2.

Additional application requirements include no restrictions on medical school graduation dates or prior U.S. clinical experience. The final deadline for application submissions is December 15, 2024 2.