Marshfield Clinic Program

The Pediatrics Residency Program at Marshfield Clinic offers an educational experience designed to prepare residents for careers in primary care or specialized pediatrics. With a referral base of about 3 million people, residents diagnose and manage a broad spectrum of pediatric cases across multiple subspecialties, including pediatric neonatology, cardiology, and more.

Referral Base and Faculty: The program features a large referral base, enabling residents to encounter various medical scenarios in children and adolescents. Residents benefit from being taught by a multi-specialty faculty, including pediatric subspecialists, which enriches their learning experience. The program boasts a 4:1 faculty-to-resident ratio, meaning residents receive personalized attention and mentorship, enhancing their educational experience 1.

Clinical Experience: Residents gain hands-on experience in several key clinical areas, including:

• 8-Bed Level 1 Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• 24-Bed Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• General Pediatric Inpatient Unit, focusing on a variety of illnesses from routine to complex
• An 8-Bed Inpatient Hematology-Oncology Unit catering to immunosuppressed children

This breadth of exposure allows residents to develop essential clinical skills in managing acute and chronic pediatric conditions.

Educational Structure: Residents participate in daily conferences, twice a week morning meetings, and monthly mock codes to prepare for real-life emergencies 1. The integration of simulation training for procedural skills is a particularly noteworthy aspect, covering techniques such as intubation and central lines. Residents also engage in continuity clinics, where they manage their own panel of patients, which reinforces their primary care skills and fosters relationships with pediatric patients and their families.

Research Opportunities: The program encourages resident participation in clinical research, community advocacy, and quality improvement projects. A full-time research facilitator is available to assist residents in scholarly pursuits, including publication preparation. This support system ensures that residents maximize their research potential during their training 1.

Benefits and Compensation: Residents receive competitive salaries that increase with each year of residency, along with comprehensive health and dental insurance. Additional benefits include relocation assistance, malpractice coverage, and a travel/education fund of $1,750 available to residents each year 2. The program also allows time away for childbirth, sick leave, interviews, and continuing medical education, which further supports residents’ professional growth and work-life balance.

Evaluation and Mentoring: The program values consistent feedback and evaluation. Residents receive monthly performance evaluations during rotations, coupled with mid-rotation formative feedback from attending physicians. An individualized learning plan is developed with a faculty mentor, ensuring a tailored approach to resident education and professional development 3.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness: The program is particularly competitive, stressing the importance of strong academic performance and clinical experience. Applicants must have graduated from medical school within five years, and while a competitive Step 2 score is preferred, it is not mandatory. International graduates should achieve passing USMLE scores for all steps to qualify for interviews. The program supports H1B and J1 visa sponsorships for international medical graduates 2.

Resident Life: Living in Marshfield offers an excellent quality of life including low cost of living, a safe community, and recreational opportunities. The supportive environment extends to work-life balance initiatives, allowing residents to engage in activities outside of medicine, which contributes to overall well-being 4.

Rotations and Call Schedule: The program offers a diversified and balanced rotation schedule with opportunities for senior residents to supervise interns. Call frequency varies, increasing during inpatient months. Regular conferences and structured learning environments enhance the educational experience while allowing residents to gain confidence in their clinical skills and decision-making processes 5.

The program actively fosters professional development and personal growth, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to face the challenges of pediatrics, whether in primary care or subspecialty fellowships.