Residency Advisor
Orlando, FL

Specialty:

Pediatrics

ACGME Code:

3201131058

NRMP Program Code:

1107320C0
YOG 3STEP 214 Research Focused DO Friendly

The Pediatric Residency at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children offers a premier training program that focuses on developing knowledgeable and compassionate pediatricians. The program is located at a renowned freestanding tertiary care hospital, which is consistently recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. This facility boasts the region's only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center and includes a wide range of specialized units like the PICU, CVICU, and various subspecialty clinics 1.

The program is ACGME-accredited and has been in operation for over 40 years, marking it as one of the most established pediatric residency programs in Central Florida. The residency program is associated with five pediatric fellowships and maintains an impressive board pass rate of 97% over the last two years alongside a 100% fellowship match rate in the past four years 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of pediatric care. Residents gain experience through a combination of inpatient and outpatient rotations where they work alongside experienced faculty and fellows. Residents are expected to engage in scholarly activity, including quality improvement projects and formal research. The academic curriculum emphasizes critical areas such as Evidence-Based Medicine, health equity, and primary care 6.

In terms of rotations, residents participate in multifaceted experiences across various pediatric specialties including, but not limited to, emergency medicine, critical care, endocrinology, and cardiology 6. The program also organizes daily didactics and protected time for education, ensuring residents receive a robust training experience during their residency 6.

Training Sites

The primary training site is Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, a 158-bed facility renowned for its comprehensive pediatric healthcare services. Additional training occurs at affiliated institutions including Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, which hosts a Level 4 NICU, and various outpatient clinics focused on pediatric care 7.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusivity through its Diversity Council which is dedicated to cultivating an environment that values diversity in both residents and faculty. The council's goal is to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented individuals in medicine, enhance educational initiatives regarding health disparities, and engage with the surrounding Central Florida community 5.

Wellness and Support

The residency recognizes the demanding nature of medical training and offers a range of wellness initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance and reducing burnout. There are structured activities and support systems in place that prioritize resident well-being 8.

Application Information

The application process is competitive, and the program welcomes both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) candidates. Applicants must submit USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 scores via ERAS before their interview date. To ensure eligibility, candidates should graduate from medical school within three years of the application date and meet specific requirements such as passing USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 before the ranking deadline. Notably, the program does not offer visa sponsorship, although applicants from international medical schools are considered if they hold ECFMG certification by the time of the rank list 9.

Competitiveness

This residency program is highly competitive and looks for candidates who can demonstrate a strong commitment to pediatric medicine. The program encourages applications from international medical graduates and has initiatives to promote diversity, reflecting its mission of serving a diverse patient population 9.

Residents are provided with comprehensive benefits, including a salary, health insurance, and access to various resources and facilities to support their training and personal development throughout residency 1.

Website

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Director

Jerome G Chen, MD, MHS
Program Director, Pediatric Residency; Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, CCC Member, PEC Member, Diversity Council Member, Research Mentor
Appointed Since
February 2015
jerome.chen@orlandohealth.com

Program

Program Size

16, 16, 16 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since June 1976

Composition

MD
DO
U.S. IMG
Non-U.S. IMG

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

55 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

24 hours

First Year Salary:

$60,200

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

12 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
32%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
2X
Residents Career Path
Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
214
Visa Sponsorship:
-
YOG Cutoff:
3

Match History

Track: 1107320C0

2024

16 of 16

2023

14 of 16

2022

14 of 14

2021

0 of 14
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Location

Orlando, FL

Population
307,573
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
36
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Orlando, FL

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Orlando's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. It is important to be cautious in certain neighborhoods and practice safety measures.
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    Orlando is famous for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The city also offers outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, and cultural events.
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  • Races and Population
    Orlando is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is growing rapidly due to the city's appeal to tourists and residents alike.
  • Education
    Orlando has a variety of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, colleges, and universities. The city also has a strong focus on STEM education and research.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Orlando is relatively high compared to the national average, especially in terms of housing and healthcare. However, there are affordable neighborhoods and living options available.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities
    Orlando is located about 4 hours away from Miami by car, which offers a vibrant urban experience with a mix of cultures and nightlife. Tampa is about 1.5 hours away, known for its waterfront attractions and cultural scene.
  • Pros
    Abundant entertainment options, diverse community, educational opportunities, and proximity to other major cities.
  • Cons
    Higher crime rate, humid climate, and above-average cost of living.

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