University at Buffalo Program

The Pediatric Residency Program at the University at Buffalo aims to prepare residents for the challenges of pediatric healthcare in the 21st century, whether they choose to become generalists in primary care or pursue subspecialty training. The program offers a comprehensive training environment in collaboration with UBMD Pediatrics and Oishei Children’s Hospital, providing diverse clinical experiences supplemented by a robust academic framework.

Clinical Training Environment

The residency program provides access to a wide array of clinical experiences through its affiliation with Oishei Children’s Hospital, recognized nationally for pediatric care. Oishei Children’s Hospital is a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center, providing the necessary exposure to acute and chronic pediatric trauma management, advanced neonatal and pediatric intensive care, and specialized subspecialty services. Each year, residents care for approximately 1,300 critically ill children.

Curriculum Overview

The program's curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and hands-on clinical training. The structured learning experience includes:

• Subspecialty Rotations: Residents rotate through various pediatric subspecialties, including neonatology and critical care, ensuring broad exposure to all areas of pediatrics. These rotations involve weekly clinic sessions and didactic meetings, designed to deepen understanding and capabilities.
• Continuity Clinic Program: This model allows residents to maintain patient relationships while training. Residents participate in community-based and hospital-based practices, enhancing their understanding of different pediatric care settings.
• 4 + 1 Schedule: This innovative schedule designates every fifth week specifically for continuity clinic, allowing dedicated time for specific objectives such as advocacy education, resident resilience, and research.

Resident Education and Faculty

The program prides itself on its internationally recognized faculty, comprising over 100 dedicated educators from various backgrounds including primary care pediatrics and subspecialties. The faculty remain committed to not only transferring knowledge but also instilling humanistic qualities in the practice of pediatrics. Moreover, the strong emphasis on research activities aligns with ongoing extramural funding initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is a central value of the Pediatric Residency Program at Buffalo. The program actively seeks applicants from various backgrounds to enrich community care, recognizing the distinctiveness that each individual brings to patient interactions and care strategies.

Resident Lifestyle and Well-being

Living in Buffalo provides residents with a comfortable lifestyle. The city offers a reasonable cost of living with diverse housing options and a vibrant community, encouraging residents to focus on their training while enabling personal relaxation and exploration of the surrounding area.

Application Process

The Pediatric Residency Program welcomes applications from competitive candidates, including DO and IMG applicants. Candidates should have completed their medical education not more than two years prior to application, as the program prioritizes recent graduates. While there are no maximum limits for failed STEP exams specified, strong board examination scores are consistently expected for candidacy.

Visa Support

The University at Buffalo Pediatric Residency Program offers support for J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships, catering to international medical graduates who require visa assistance to pursue residency training.

Fellowship Opportunities

Upon completion of the residency program, graduates may choose to pursue various pediatric subspecialties available as fellowships. This progression is supported by the program's rich infrastructure and collaborative research opportunities, ensuring residents have the tools they need to thrive in their subsequent careers.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages involvement in research, providing resources and mentorship to cultivate the next generation of pediatricians as physician-scientists. Residents engage in individualized research projects aligned with their interests, ensuring that their training prepares them not only clinically but also academically.