University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

The Pediatrics Residency Program at UNC is focused on creating a comprehensive educational environment that emphasizes general pediatric training, subspecialty exposure, and public health. It aims to develop well-rounded pediatricians equipped for careers in both academic and community settings.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum provides a balanced experience across various clinical settings, combining inpatient and outpatient rotations to facilitate hands-on learning. The program’s structure allows residents to experience patient care in a tertiary care center as well as in community hospitals, fostering the development of independent clinical judgment and diverse practice insights.1

Rotations

Residents engage in a variety of clinical rotations throughout their training, including:

• First Year: Includes rotations in the Newborn Nursery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, various outpatient clinics, and subspecialty clinics. Residents typically spend 12 weeks in inpatient care at UNC Children’s Hospital, along with time in other facilities such as WakeMed and Cone Health.
• Second Year: Residents are expected to handle more supervision and experience roles in acute care and intensive care settings. Rotations in the second year include the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and various subspecialty areas.
• Third Year: Focuses on gaining supervisory skills while honing expertise in subspecialty areas. Residents continue refining their skills in inpatient and outpatient care while completing 24 weeks dedicated to subspecialty education.

Training Sites

The program utilizes various training sites featuring diverse patient demographics:

• North Carolina Children's Hospital: This facility serves as the primary teaching site, hosting over 70,000 patient visits each year and featuring comprehensive pediatric services.
• Moses Cone Health System: Residents experience community-based pediatric training in a bustling hospital environment with a variety of medical professionals involved in family-centered care.
• WakeMed: Focuses on acute pediatric care and offers training in a significant emergency department which treats a large volume of pediatric patients annually.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to participate in research activities across various pediatric subspecialties, which can range from quality improvement projects to clinical research. This emphasis provides the foundation necessary for residents to publish and present their findings, enhancing their academic profiles.

Special Features

The UNC Pediatrics Residency Program prides itself on a supportive and collaborative environment. This includes robust mentoring, leadership opportunities, and the chance to partake in global health initiatives. The program actively supports international rotations, allowing residents to engage in medical practice in diverse settings, such as Malawi and Nicaragua, which is pivotal for those interested in global health.5

Visa Support and Competitiveness

For international medical graduates, the program offers J-1 visa sponsorship. The program aims to create a diverse residency class and is open to qualified DO and IMG candidates, making it an accessible and competitive option for applicants from various backgrounds.

Application Requirements

Potential applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

• Graduation from medical school within two years of the application year.
• Submission of required application documents including letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts.
• Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK before the final Rank List submission.

In addition, international applicants must secure ECFMG certification by the time of the Rank List submission, ensuring they meet necessary qualifications for residency.2

Meet Our Residents

The residency program hosts a diverse group of residents hailed from various medical schools across the U.S. and internationally. This diversity enriches the learning environment by providing a myriad of perspectives on pediatric care.

Program Benefits

The Pediatrics Residency Program at UNC provides numerous benefits to residents, including:

• Annual membership to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Support for conference attendance and educational supplies such as board preparation materials and stipends.
• Private call rooms and transportation arrangements for night shifts.

Leadership

The residency program is overseen by experienced faculty committed to mentoring residents and fostering their growth. Each leader brings a wealth of experience in pediatric training and education, ensuring that residents receive valuable guidance throughout their training.6

Recent Graduates

Graduates of the Pediatrics Residency Program have secured positions in prestigious fellowships and have established successful careers in general pediatrics. Approximately 50% pursue fellowship training, while the other half enter into general pediatric practices, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available upon completion of residency.7