Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University/Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington Program

The program offers a robust curriculum grounded in innovative pediatric education, firmly situated within two significant institutions: the Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. This partnership enhances the residency training experience, providing access to comprehensive pediatric care, rigorous academic training, and the opportunity to engage in top-tier biomedical research.

At the heart of the program is the commitment to cultivating a diverse community. The program fosters inclusiveness, valuing differences in culture, race, and experience, enhancing the learning environment for all residents. The aim is to train culturally competent, empathetic pediatricians who will provide comprehensive care to children from all backgrounds and walks of life 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program features a unique “X+Y” curriculum model, which consists of a cycle that includes six weeks of various inpatient rotations followed by two weeks dedicated to outpatient medicine. Residents gain hands-on experience through multiple rotations in critical areas, including inpatient pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, neonatal intensive care, and subspecialty electives.

Key rotations include:

• Inpatient Pediatrics: Residents manage care for a diverse array of pediatric cases, learning to act as primary contacts for patients and families.
• Pediatric Emergency Department: At Nemours’ Level I Trauma Center, residents engage with high-volume acute pediatric emergencies.
• Neonatal ICU: Residents gain critical exposure to managing premature and medically complex newborns.
• Elective Rotations: These provide opportunities to explore specialized fields and foster mentorship relationships.

Furthermore, each resident engages in continuity clinics and is expected to take on increasing responsibilities as they progress through their training, which promotes leadership and decision-making skills. The curriculum is supported by numerous educational opportunities, including conferences and seminars that relate to current issues in pediatrics 2.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The program embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), striving to create a representative environment that mirrors the communities served. Training in cultural humility, peer support, and mentorship is emphasized to enhance care for marginalized populations. Initiatives include advocacy rotations, health equity data discussions in morning reports, and the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in leadership roles within the program 3.

Research and Educational Opportunities

Research is highly encouraged, and residents can engage in various scholarly activities. The program provides substantial funding and resources aimed at supporting resident-led projects and facilitating attendance at national conferences. Moreover, the education framework includes structured didactics focused on advocacy for underserved communities, global health practices, and primary care training, highlighted by opportunities such as a longitudinal Global Health curriculum 4.

Resident Well-Being and Support

Recognizing the importance of well-being, the program implements various resources aimed at fostering resilience and supporting mental health. Each resident is assigned a mentor, ensuring personalized guidance throughout their training. Activities aimed at enhancing the sense of community and decreasing burnout include wellness retreats, social activities, and access to physical wellness resources. Free meals and a gym membership are also offered to support overall health during residency 5.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program is known to support various visa types, making it friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with D.O. degrees. The application process necessitates the submission of standard documents such as the ERAS application, a personal statement, board scores, and three letters of recommendation, among others. Residents are advised to demonstrate a commitment to DEI principles, as the program prioritizes these values in its application review process 6.

Competitiveness

This residency program is competitive, reflecting its commitment to excellence, though it maintains a welcoming approach for DOs and IMGs. Interested candidates should focus on demonstrating their potential for success in a rigorous educational environment and their alignment with the program’s values concerning community and diversity.

Further, the program has established policies that address maximum failed STEP exam attempts, promoting inclusivity without compromising the quality of training offered to residents. This comprehensive support structure is indicative of the strong belief in resident success and community well-being 7.