Stony Brook Medicine/Stony Brook Children's Hospital Program

Stony Brook Medicine offers a robust and comprehensive Pediatrics Residency Program located at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, which serves as Suffolk County's only designated children’s hospital. This residency program aims to provide a well-rounded education in pediatrics through diverse clinical exposure, innovative training models, and emphasis on community advocacy and well-being.

The curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive training experience that prepares residents for various pediatric career paths, including general pediatrics and subspecialties. The program is structured around an X+Y scheduling format, which enhances continuity of care and educational experience. Residents spend four weeks on immersive inpatient or outpatient rotations followed by one week focused on longitudinal continuity clinic work, allowing them to foster consistent relationships with patients and families 1.

Training Sites and Clinical Experience

All inpatient rotations occur at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2019, featuring patient-centered rooms designed for optimal care 12. The residency offers exposure to a diverse patient population representing a wide variety of pediatric pathologies. Key facilities include:

• A dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department providing 24/7 care.
• A Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.
• A Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the first in New York State built with family-centered pods.
• Specialized units such as Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Adolescent Medicine.

This clinical environment ensures that residents receive hands-on experience managing both common and complex pediatric illnesses throughout their training and continue to develop essential clinical and advocacy skills.

Curriculum and Rotation Structure

The curriculum includes a mix of traditional didactic sessions and hands-on clinical experiences. The program incorporates community and advocacy training, where residents spend eight weeks focusing on public health issues that affect children. Engagement with local schools through education initiatives and advocacy training in Albany enhances their understanding of social determinants of health 4.

Residents also participate in community outreach projects such as the Teddy Bear Clinic, where they promote injury prevention in elementary schools. This focus on advocacy helps residents develop valuable skills that are crucial in pediatric practice and ingrains a sense of responsibility in addressing community health concerns 3.

Resident Support and Wellness

Stony Brook Medicine emphasizes resident wellness and provides structured support systems to promote a healthy work-life balance. Wellness activities include social outings, workshops, and retreats focused on building resilience and community among residents 18. Furthermore, residents benefit from a financial allowance and resources associated with educational expenses, easing financial stress during training.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital part of the curriculum, with all residents receiving dedicated time for research activities, mentorship, and guidance to foster a strong foundation in scholarly work. The program has a strong focus on pediatric-specific research that aligns with the cutting-edge advances in medicine and clinical care 13.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is also committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its training environment. DEI education is integral to all training aspects, and initiatives focus on creating an inclusive atmosphere for all residents, patients, and families 19.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Stony Brook’s Pediatrics residency program is competitive and welcomes applications from U.S. medical graduates, DO graduates, and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program specifically accepts J1 visas for international applicants. Factors considered during the selection process include clinical experience, research involvement, and personal statements, although specific requirements may vary from year to year 10.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Residents in the program not only gain clinical expertise and advocacy skills but also have opportunities for international experiences, such as global health rotations in Uganda. These immersive learning experiences support the development of culturally competent healthcare practices and awareness of global health challenges 7.