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

The Pediatric Residency Program at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, is designed to provide a comprehensive and dynamic training experience for aspiring pediatricians. Through the collaboration between Nemours Children’s Hospital and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, the program offers an exceptional environment for medical education, emphasizing a holistic approach to resident well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Overview

Residents in the program benefit from the pooling of resources from both Nemours Children’s Hospital and Sidney Kimmel Medical College, which creates an enriching atmosphere for education, research, and patient care. The program aims to produce well-rounded pediatricians who are capable of excelling in competitive fellowships or various medical careers.

The residency program is structured around a variety of pediatric disciplines and provides exposure to two main types of institutions: the primary teaching hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This collaborative environment allows residents to experience diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Pediatric Residency Program utilizes an innovative curriculum format known as the “X+Y” model, consisting of 6 weeks of inpatient rotations (X block) followed by 2 weeks of outpatient medicine (Y block). This structure includes multiple rotations, such as:

• Pediatric Emergency Department (4 weeks): Residents gain hands-on experience in a designated pediatric trauma center, supervised by board-certified faculty, who provide mentorship through case discussions and procedural training.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (6 weeks): Residents work closely with neonatal care teams, managing patients with varied conditions, from preterm to full-term infants.
• Inpatient Pediatrics (10–12 weeks): Interns act as primary contacts for patient care while being educated in general pediatrics as well as subspecialty fields.
• Hematology/Oncology (4–6 weeks): Exposure to hematological and oncological conditions allows residents to engage in a critical area of pediatric care.

Residents also participate in various electives that facilitate exploration of different specialties and foster mentorship relationships aimed at career planning.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

The program is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the community it serves. There is a dedicated focus on training residents in cultural humility and advocacy, preparing them to address health disparities effectively. DEI initiatives include various community outreach programs and the establishment of resource groups aimed at supporting underrepresented in medicine (UIM) residents.

Resident Well-Being

Acknowledging the challenges faced by medical professionals, the residency program emphasizes overall wellness and resilience support, providing ample resources including mentorship, counseling, and organized wellness activities. Regular feedback from residents is integral to continually improving the program’s resources and support systems.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to participate in research and scholarly work during their training, benefitting from over $9 million annually in funding for pediatric research projects. Opportunities are available for residents to present at national meetings and publish research findings, further enriching their educational experience.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates (IMGs) and other applicants who require visa sponsorship, the program can provide support for J-1 visas, facilitating participation in the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program is regarded as highly competitive, welcoming both DO and IMG applicants. Specific application requirements include submission through ERAS, board scores, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The program emphasizes a holistic review of applications.

The program values diversity in its trainee cohort and actively seeks individuals who align with its mission of providing comprehensive care to all child populations. This open approach to residency applications underscores the program's commitment to nurturing a supportive community.