SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse offers an innovative residency training experience that prepares residents for careers in primary health care, subspecialty training, academic medicine, and community health. The program emphasizes the importance of professional growth, lifelong learning, and the provision of compassionate care to a diverse patient population.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Pediatric Residency Program is to cultivate professional growth among residents while nurturing an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The vision focuses on developing physicians who are competent, compassionate, and dedicated to delivering high-quality care. The program actively seeks feedback to ensure comprehensive training free from bias and to promote exemplary didactic and clinical instruction 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants are evaluated through a holistic review process, with a strong preference for candidates who have clinical experience in pediatrics in the United States. Additionally, the program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, focusing solely on first-attempt passes of USMLE exams for consideration. Applicants must comply with New York State's 12-week rule regarding clerkships 5.

Program Structure

The residency comprises three years of training, allowing for a gradual increase in responsibility. In the first year (PL-1), emphasis is placed on diagnosing and managing common pediatric conditions and critical care medicine through extensive patient interaction in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Residents participate in continuity clinics, which foster long-term patient relationships across three years 8.

The second year (PL-2) builds upon the first and focuses on supervision of interns, seeking greater exposure to acute care and providing opportunities in inpatient hematology/oncology and adolescent medicine. This year includes training in settings such as the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) 9.

In the final year (PL-3), residents adopt supervisory roles, tailor their rotations according to career interests, and engage in electives for advanced training while continuing to lead teams 10.

Clinical Rotations

The program incorporates a wide variety of clinical rotations. Major inpatient services include general pediatrics, PICU, and neonatal care, where residents are actively involved in patient management 11.
Each resident experiences unique patient care opportunities through specialized clinics, including international health clinics serving refugees, and the Onondaga Nation Clinic serving Native American populations 12.

Didactic Education

The core educational content comprises an interactive conference series split into subject areas, grand rounds, journal clubs, and specialty workshops. All educational activities are conducted during protected time, allowing residents to develop professional competencies in a comprehensive education framework 16.

Perks and Benefits

Residents enjoy an attractive compensation package alongside numerous benefits, including fitness facilities, childcare services, and opportunities for research participation. The low cost of living in Syracuse, combined with a vibrant cultural scene and excellent school systems, makes it an attractive place for residents and families 14.

Community and Diversity Initiatives

The program is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion within its community, engaging residents from various backgrounds. There are mentoring programs designed to support underrepresented minorities in medicine, along with educational initiatives that address health equity and advocacy training 19.

Facilities

The pediatric training occurs at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, which acts as the only children's hospital in the region, offering various pediatric subspecialty services and outpatient care best suited to address the needs of a large population across Central New York 20.

Research Opportunities

With continuous involvement in biomedical research, residents have access to various research electives and opportunities to collaborate on investigations spanning multiple pediatric specialties. A strong emphasis is placed on research training as a pathway for those aspiring to pursue academic careers 15.

Support for Visa Applications

International applicants can expect strong support as the program sponsors J-1 visas and focuses on selecting candidates committed to completing the full three years of training. It is important for applicants to ensure they comply with all necessary documentation and prior U.S. training prerequisites 4.

Competitiveness and Selection

The program is competitive, emphasizing the holistic review of applications. A limited number of candidates are invited for interviews based on the completeness of their applications. The program welcomes applicants from diverse educational backgrounds and is actively interested in international medical graduates with structured clinical experience in the United States 5.