Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Greenville (Greenville) Program

The Pediatrics Residency Program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Upstate is designed to produce well-rounded pediatricians through comprehensive training in a supportive clinical environment. The program focuses on developing critical thinking abilities, cultural humility, and a continuous growth mindset in its residents.

Program Mission and Vision

The mission is to provide excellent patient care while encouraging personal and career development for residents. The vision emphasizes fostering lifelong learning through resident engagement, progressive clinical autonomy, and collaborative medical decision-making. The faculty is committed to resident feedback, continuous improvement, and fostering a teamwork atmosphere that values relationship-building, helping to avert burnout.

Program Overview

Since 1972, the program has served the pediatric population in South Carolina within Prisma Health, the state’s largest not-for-profit health system, and is affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. The program combines academic tertiary care with community-based pediatric care, creating a rich training environment filled with diverse clinical experiences.

This residency program is competitive and considers applicants from various backgrounds, including Osteopathic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last three years and are encouraged to demonstrate non-clinical experiences, highlighting their unique qualities and commitment to patient care.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum employs an integrated learning model, categorizing the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) test content into organ system groups over a three-year cycle. A significant aspect of the program is a well-defined balance between inpatient and outpatient rotations, with a 50:50 division of time. This structure allows residents exposure to Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care, and Subspecialty rotations as early as their intern year.

Formal educational components include protected time for enriching conferences, high-yield lectures by pediatric faculty, and simulation exercises designed to enhance procedural skills and clinical decision-making abilities. Each resident takes part in noon conferences, journal clubs, and multi-disciplinary meetings, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique feature of this residency program is its emphasis on community engagement and advocacy projects. Residents actively participate in initiatives addressing health equity and access to healthcare, particularly serving underrepresented populations. This is mirrored in the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion, focusing on recruiting a physician workforce that reflects the community it serves.

The dedicated faculty include over 100 pediatric and surgical subspecialists providing extensive training opportunities with direct access to mentorship and clinical experiences that prepare residents for both general pediatric practice and subspecialty fellowship applications.

Research and Advocacy Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research and advocacy projects throughout their training. The faculty facilitates mentorship in these areas, contributing to a learnt, collaborative, and innovative environment. This commitment to research is paired with guidance in applying for fellowships in pediatric subspecialties, ensuring residents feel supported in their career aspirations.

Training Sites and Facilities

The residency utilizes Prisma Health Children's Hospital- Upstate, which houses key facilities, including a 44-bed General Pediatrics Unit, 18-bed PICU, and an 80-bed NICU, ensuring comprehensive exposure to high acuity and varied pediatric cases. The program manages over 500,000 pediatric patient visits annually, ranging from emergency care to outpatient pediatric visits, thus providing an unparalleled breadth of clinical experience.

Residents also have the chance to rotate through outpatient sites that cater primarily to the largest Medicaid populations in South Carolina, addressing the specific needs of the communities served.

Application Process

To apply for this residency program, applicants must submit their materials exclusively through ERAS and participate in the NRMP. The evaluation process is holistic, ensuring a broad consideration of candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a passion for pediatric care. Key application requirements include passing USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 for eligibility and providing three letters of recommendation.

International medical graduates seeking to apply must hold a permanent visa and have experience in U.S. clinical settings, ensuring a foundational understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.

Supportive Environment

The camaraderie among residents fosters a supportive community that emphasizes work-life harmony. Activities are organized not just for learning but also for social engagement, contributing to the residents’ well-being and overall satisfaction during training.

Overall, the Pediatrics Residency Program at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Upstate embodies a robust, supportive training environment, equipped with mentorship and opportunities designed to nurture future leaders in pediatrics.