Old Dominion University Program

The Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Pediatrics residency program offers an innovative and comprehensive training experience for medical students aspiring to become proficient pediatricians. This program emphasizes hands-on training and education, aimed at improving the healthcare of children in the community. The residency is a recognized three-year program, uniquely positioned due to its collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Virginia’s only freestanding, full-service children’s hospital and a Level I trauma center 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum encompasses a wide range of pediatric specialties with over 84 residents and more than 300 devoted faculty members. This program allows residents to engage deeply with various pediatric divisions, covering both preventative and acute care. The three-year residency experience includes rotations in general pediatrics, as well as subspecialties such as Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Pediatric Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and many more 2.

Research Opportunities

The program is dedicated to fostering research and scholarly activities. The Pediatrics Research Fund provides internal grant funding to support faculty and resident research in all areas of pediatric medicine. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, especially pilot studies that can generate data for further external funding. Opportunities also exist in various research divisions, including Clinical Research and Community Health research outlets, enabling residents to participate in clinical trials and community-based health initiatives 34.

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. CHKD serves as the pediatric referral center for coastal Virginia, hosting the area’s most advanced neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. This exposes residents to a high-volume, diverse patient population and a breadth of clinical experiences 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Macon & Joan Brock program promotes well-rounded training, emphasizing advocacy and leadership within the field of pediatrics. The integration with Old Dominion University enhances collaborative opportunities for research and community health initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities 6. The program also offers specialized tracks in Global Health and Primary Care, allowing residents to tailor their education to their career aspirations 7.

Resident Support and Well-Being

Maintaining a supportive environment is a cornerstone of the residency, which includes a comprehensive wellness program designed to promote a healthy work-life balance. Resources such as after-hours counseling, support groups, and wellness activities are provided to residents, fostering a nurturing environment conducive to professional growth 8.

Application Requirements

The residency program has certain application requirements, catering to a diverse group of applicants. Candidates must have graduated from medical school and are welcomed regardless of whether they hold an MD or DO degree. The program is also friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs), thereby enriching the learning environment with diverse experiences and perspectives 9. Additionally, the program supports J-1 visa sponsorships to assist international medical graduates in their training endeavors.

Competitiveness

The Pediatrics residency program is known to be competitive, thus potential candidates should be diligent in preparing their applications. Familiarity with the program's values and aims can enhance an applicant’s suitability and alignment with the mission of the residency 10. Specific requirements include a limit on the number of attempts for the USMLE Step examinations, encouraging candidates to demonstrate their commitment and proficiency in the field.