Morehouse School of Medicine Program

The Pediatrics Residency Program at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is committed to training exemplary community pediatricians equipped to respond to the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations. Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its cultural diversity, the program prepares residents to care for children from various backgrounds, emphasizing social determinants of health. This approach aligns with the overarching mission of MSM, which is focused on advancing health equity and justice.

The program features a curriculum encompassing a wide range of core competencies. Residents will be exposed to pediatric cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, genetics, hematology and oncology, neonatology, and toxicology, ensuring comprehensive training essential for pediatric practice 1.

Curriculum and Training Rotations

The curriculum at MSM is thoughtfully structured, with approximately 60% of residency training devoted to ambulatory experiences, allowing significant clinical exposure in community practices. Each resident is afforded a minimum of six blocks dedicated to Individualized Curriculum (IC) units, which are tailored based on their career aspirations. Options for early subspecialty exposure begin in the PGY-1 year, continuing through PGY-2 and PGY-3 with additional elective opportunities 5.

Training occurs primarily at renowned facilities under the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta network, including:

• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston
• Emory Decatur Hospital
• Grady Hospital

These institutions provide a mix of distinct training environments, ranging from smaller community settings to larger tertiary care facilities, enhancing both breadth and depth of clinical experience 6.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency at MSM. Residents are required to partake in a research project aligned with evidence-based medicine (EBM), enhancing their skills in critical assessment of clinical literature. Each resident will present their findings at both a conference and Grand Rounds, fostering an environment where evidence-based practice is prioritized 9.

Community Engagement

Morehouse's commitment to community service encourages residents to engage actively in outreach efforts. Each resident is expected to complete 25 hours of community service annually, participating in initiatives that address the specific needs of underserved populations, such as the Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) program aimed at reducing breastfeeding disparities 4.

Competitive Application Process

The application process for the Pediatrics Residency Program is competitive. To qualify for an interview, applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with required documents including transcripts, a dean's letter, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Candidates from non-LCME accredited institutions need at least six months of clinical experience in the United States, while all applicants must provide valid USMLE or COMLEX scores 3.

Additionally, applicants must be either U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or must hold a J-1 visa, which is the only visa type the program sponsors 2.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries starting at approximately $66,530 for PGY-1 residents, with incremental increases for subsequent years. Furthermore, residents receive comprehensive insurance packages, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional resources such as books and materials, leadership retreats, and wellness activities foster a supportive training environment 8.

Educational Conferences

Didactic sessions occur every Wednesday, with vital Grand Rounds held every Thursday morning. These conferences serve to deepen residents' understanding of pediatric care and prepare them for board examinations, with board review sessions provided at multiple intervals throughout the residency 7.