SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program

The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine provides a comprehensive educational experience centered in clinical training and patient care. The program emphasizes high-quality education and hands-on experience, ensuring residents are well-prepared for pediatric practice.

About the Program

The Pediatrics Residency Program at Saint Louis University dates back to 1933 and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It focuses on meeting the changing and complex needs of children and aims to train physician scientists who advocate for children's health through clinical care and research. The program prides itself on providing individualized training, allowing residents to tailor their educational experiences as they progress through the training years. A strong emphasis on critical clinical reasoning, personal accountability, and compassion underpins the residency experience 1.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, which boasts a full range of pediatric services, including a Level 1 trauma center and a Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Additionally, residents rotate at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and the Danis Pediatric Center, providing diverse clinical exposures in both inpatient and outpatient settings. These sites facilitate a comprehensive training experience across various pediatric illnesses and conditions, from general pediatrics to subspecialties 1.
The commitment to quality care at these facilities is further evidenced by Cardinal Glennon's recognition in multiple pediatric subspecialties by rankings from US News and World Report 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is designed to foster growth and gradually increase responsibility. The first year (PGY-1) includes broad exposure to general pediatric and specialty services, emphasizing direct patient care responsibilities under supervision. Residents participate in academic activities to enhance their educational experience. In the second year (PGY-2), residents take on more leadership roles including team leaders on inpatient rotations and gain further critical care experience. The third year (PGY-3) allows for advanced training with additional specialty exposures and electives aimed at individual career goals 2.

Rotations

Residents engage in a diverse array of rotations that encompass inpatient, outpatient, and specialty settings. The rotation structure incorporates experiences in the NICU and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), addressing a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions. There are specialized outpatient rotations, including emergency medicine, and continuity clinic experiences at the Danis Pediatric Center, fostering long-term patient relationships. A unique aspect of this program is the CARE (Community Advocacy through Resident Education) experience, which involves community engagement and advocacy projects 6.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research and quality improvement, encouraging residents to undertake scholarly projects. Faculty mentorship guides residents through the process of study design, implementation, and presentation of their findings at national conferences. This focus on scholarship is reflected in the department’s notable publication rate and active grant acquisition, which totals over $7 million 8.

Diversity and Inclusion

Saint Louis University is committed to building a diverse pediatric residency community. The program aims to reflect the varying socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds of the patient population served. Special initiatives are in place to support underrepresented minority residents 1.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must submit a dean's letter, at least two letters of recommendation, and must meet testing requirements, including passing scores from the USMLE or COMLEX exams. International medical graduates must hold an ECFMG certificate and require visa sponsorship (J-1 or H-1B) 3.
While the program values diversity in its resident cohort, it is also identified as being friendly to applicants from osteopathic and international medical schools 3.

Competitiveness

The program is regarded as competitive. The residency attracts applications from both USMLE and COMLEX candidates, reflecting a multifaceted selection process aimed at identifying applicants who demonstrate exceptional clinical acumen and interpersonal skills 3.

Available Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by offering J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships to foreign nationals. This ensures that qualified international medical graduates have the opportunity to participate in the program under proper immigration status 3.