University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Pediatrics is a distinguished residency program that provides comprehensive training in the field of pediatrics. The program aims to cultivate pediatricians who excel in clinical care, research, and community advocacy. Spanning three years, the program emphasizes a supportive and challenging educational environment that fosters resident autonomy and professional development.

Application Process and Requirements

Eligibility criteria state that applicants must participate in the National Resident Matching Program, as all categorical and advanced training class positions are filled exclusively through this route. The program does not offer out-of-match positions, thus emphasizing its competitive nature. Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) from September until December, with interviews conducted from October through January.

To be eligible for acceptance, candidates must successfully complete USMLE Steps 1 and 2 (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills) prior to the program’s commencement. Importantly, USMLE Step 3 must be completed before the onset of the third year. There are no postgraduate training prerequisites for this residency.

Call Schedule and Rotations

The call schedule varies according to the rotation, designed to ensure residents gain hands-on experience while balancing their workload. For instance, during the Newborn rotation, residents are required to take 24-hour calls every fourth to fifth day, depending on the residency cohort size. The NICU rotation includes one week of night shifts and weekend calls, while the PICU rotation necessitates a call every fourth day. A night float system is implemented during two-week rotations in the wards.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured across three years:

Year 1 (Internship)

The internship comprises 13 blocks, predominantly focusing on core rotations. Residents will partake in four blocks of inpatient pediatrics, two blocks each in general pediatrics and subspecialties such as hematology-oncology and gastroenterology, along with various other core rotations. Additionally, all interns engage in a two-week general pediatrics clinic and a quality improvement rotation.

Year 2

In the second year, residents gain a degree of autonomy while managing higher-acuity cases. The rotations include inpatient pediatrics, neonatal ICU, and pediatric ICU, in conjunction with pediatric emergency medicine. The remainder of the year is allotted for electives and continuity clinic responsibilities.

Year 3

The third year focuses on preparing residents for independent practice, emphasizing evidence-based management and teaching competencies. Key rotations include inpatient pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, and a school health clinic. Third-year residents have more significant supervisory responsibilities, reflecting their advanced training.

Training Sites

The primary training facility is Holtz Children’s Hospital, which is known for its comprehensive care in a multiethnic and diverse patient population prevalent in South Florida. This hospital serves as a tertiary quaternary pediatric facility, catering to a mixture of insights from both regional and international cases. Additional training occurs at various affiliated sites including Jackson Memorial Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and the Center for Haitian Studies/Scholl Health Clinic.

Research Opportunities

The program is affiliated with the University of Miami, which is ranked among the top 50 research universities in the nation. This environment offers residents numerous opportunities for clinical and translational research, fostering engagement with ongoing pediatric research initiatives and leading projects that contribute to advancements in pediatric medicine.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the program primarily sponsors the J1 Visa, which is designated for foreign physicians participating in a residency program in the United States. This support facilitates the entry of global medical talent into the U.S. healthcare system.

Program Competitiveness

The program is known for its competitiveness in attracting high-caliber applicants from across the globe. Its commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment makes it favorable for candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants.

Alumni Placements

Graduates of the program have gone on to prestigious placements across the country, with alumni finding positions in esteemed institutions such as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Stanford University, illustrating the strong reputation of the residency in the pediatric field.