Richmond University Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Residency Program at Richmond University Medical Center is dedicated to cultivating skilled and compassionate pediatricians. This three-year program, accredited by the ACGME, is characterized by its academic rigor and its commitment to family-centered care. The program is affiliated with SUNY Downstate and aims to embrace the six core competencies set by the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).1

Training Philosophy

The philosophy of the Pediatrics Residency Program focuses on developing residents who can provide effective pediatric care across diverse populations. Small group teaching and case-oriented discussions complement a solid foundation of didactic lectures and individual reading. The program emphasizes progressive autonomy under faculty supervision, aiming to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the American Board of Pediatrics certifying examination.1

Training Facilities

Clinical training is centered around a comprehensive inpatient ward, a continuity clinic servicing the northern shore of Staten Island, and a busy emergency room handling over 70,000 visits annually, approximately a third of which are children. Notably, the hospital operates a Level III NICU as part of the regional Perinatal Center, providing care for various neonatal conditions, with facilities including:1

• 25-bed inpatient ward
• Newborn nursery with over 3,000 deliveries per year
• 3 resident call rooms
• 3-bed PICU
• 26-bed NICU, notable for its low mortality rate in the NY metropolitan area

Resident Curriculum

The residency curriculum is thoughtfully structured to provide comprehensive educational experiences that facilitate a gradual increase in responsibility over the training period. Below is a summary of the curriculum for each year:1

PL-1 Year

The first year introduces residents to the basics of pediatric care, focusing on conducting age-appropriate histories and physical examinations. Expectations include preparing thoughtful assessments and treatment plans under supervision and learning procedural competencies.1

PL-2 Year

Second-year residents build on their initial experiences, taking responsibility for increasingly complex patients while refining clinical assessment and treatment skills. This year emphasizes efficiency in practice and career planning.1

PL-3 Year

The final year prepares residents for board exams and includes advanced subspecialty rotations. PL-3 residents develop independent practice skills and take on leadership roles within the team, enhancing supervisory abilities while focusing on lifelong learning and health advocacy.1

Residency Rotations

Residents participate in a diverse range of rotations throughout their training, with a sample rotation schedule as follows:

Application Criteria

The residency accepts U.S. citizens or Green Card holders only and cannot sponsor visas. Candidates are expected to have:

• USMLE Step I (220 or above), Step II (230 or above), and CS pass preferred
• COMLEX scores accepted (600 and above)
• No more than five years since graduation
• No U.S. clinical experience required

Applications must go through ERAS and are accepted from September until December 31. Candidates must pass Step 3 by November 15 of their second year for continued progression in the program.1

Competitiveness and Additional Information

The Pediatric Residency Program is competitive, with six positions available each PGY year. Candidates often stand out with strong academic backgrounds and relevant performance metrics. The program regularly emphasizes the importance of promoting preventive health care and child health advocacy.1

Salary and Benefits

Residents benefit from a robust salary and financial support structure, including:

• PGY-1: $59,540.96
• PGY-2: $64,594.19
• PGY-3: $69,856.52
• Generous vacation time (4 weeks per year)
• Financial support for educational resources and conference attendance.

Additional benefits include private call rooms, cafeteria allowances, lab coat reimbursements, and full medical and life insurance coverage.1