Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that accepts 16 residents each year. This program is known for its balanced and individualized training curriculum executed in a supportive, resident-driven learning environment. The program's size promotes a family-like atmosphere while allowing flexibility for time off, vital for resident wellness and academic success.

As the only children’s hospital, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the region, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital offers extensive patient diversity, acuity, and complexity, often exceeding that found in many larger children’s hospitals. This environment provides a remarkable educational opportunity for the residents as they encounter a wide spectrum of pediatric conditions.

Curriculum Overview

The Pediatric Residency curriculum is tailored to the individual educational needs of each resident, avoiding rigid "tracks". This design allows residents to create personalized educational pathways, balancing outpatient and inpatient experiences. The program provides more than the minimum ACME requirements, with a goal for each resident to graduate as a competent general pediatrician.

Residents engage in daily noon conferences, weekly academic half-days, departmental Grand Rounds, as well as lecture series focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Critical topics such as healthcare disparities, patient safety, and quality improvement are also integral to the curriculum.

Training Sites and Rotations

Residents spend varied rotations across inpatient and outpatient settings. Notably, the first-year curriculum includes experiences in pediatric hospitalist teams, the NICU, general pediatric clinics, and emergency medicine. More advanced years shift towards significant leadership roles, with opportunities for subspecialty training and direct patient management.

First-year rotations consist of:

• Inpatient (20 weeks): General pediatric hospitalist team, NICU, newborn nursery, night team.
• Outpatient (22 weeks): Acute clinic, adolescent medicine, mental health rotations, community advocacy.

Individualized Education and Electives

The program emphasizes individualized education, offering up to 46 weeks for tailored learning experiences, including a Self-Managed Individualized Learning Elective (SMILE) where residents can design their own learning goals. Electives range widely from adolescent medicine, complex care, allergy/immunology, to various subspecialties.

Research Opportunities

Penn State offers robust research opportunities with top-ranked investigations in pediatrics. Residents can engage in clinical, translational, and basic research, working alongside prominent faculty members and contributing to significant studies in pediatric health. The Physician Scientist Training Program provides additional mentorship for residents interested in research careers.

Wellness Programs

The program places a strong emphasis on resident wellness, with various initiatives designed to support emotional, social, and physical health. Residents participate in wellness sessions focusing on the eight dimensions of wellness, organized retreats, and opportunities for engagement in community and advocacy projects. The wellness strategies contribute to a healthy work-life balance, vital for the intense nature of residency.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Pediatric Residency program is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels, recognizing the importance of cultural competency in pediatric care. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council includes residents and advocates for a culturally responsive approach to healthcare.

Competitive Application Process

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the residency program sponsors J-1 visas only. The program seeks ECFMG-certified graduates, ideally with recent experience in the U.S. healthcare system. Application requirements include a personal statement, MSPE, medical school transcript, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation.

The residency interviews are conducted by invitation only and follow a virtual format designed to familiarize candidates with the residency experience and the supportive culture.

Community and Lifestyle

The town of Hershey, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, is a great place for residents to live. It offers affordable housing, top-rated public schools, and various recreational activities including concert venues and outdoor experiences. Residents appreciate the close-knit community, contributing to a fulfilling lifestyle outside of their demanding training.