University of Rochester Medical Center Program

Pediatric Residency Program Overview

The Pediatric Residency Program at the University of Rochesteris a three-year ACGME-accredited residency focused on trainingexceptional pediatricians. The program's mission is to prepareresidents for various pathways in pediatrics while fostering theirdevelopment as caring and competent professionals who improvechildren's health and wellbeing.

Key Strengths

The program integrates a well-balanced education acrosstertiary/quaternary care hospital settings and community hospitals.This dual exposure helps create graduates who are well-equipped forindependent practice. Residents benefit from a diverse patientpopulation, which enhances their training experience through avariety of clinical encounters.

Additionally, the residency promotes individual intereststhrough optional participation in specialized tracks, such asdigital health and innovation, community health & advocacy, globalhealth, medical education, primary care, refugee health, research,and subspecialty practice.1

Curriculum

The clinical curriculum emphasizes progressive responsibility,with a focus on graduated autonomy from year one to three.Residents engage in rotations spanning inpatient to outpatientsettings, covering a broad spectrum of pediatric care includinggeneral pediatrics, emergency medicine, and subspecialtytraining.

Intern year includes rotations in inpatient pediatrics, newborncare, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, outpatient pediatrics,and community advocacy. During the second year, residents increasetheir supervisory and teaching responsibilities, while the thirdyear focuses on enhancing autonomy further, involving rotationssuch as Pediatric Admitting Officer (PAO) roles. Core components ofthe curriculum include unique required rotations like PediatricLinks with the Community, Psychiatry, and Skills Blocks to developclinical and professional skills.

Tracks

The program’s individualized curriculum features optional trackopportunities aimed to align with residents’ career goals. Tracksprovide a structure for residents to focus on areas such ascommunity health advocacy, global healthcare projects, digitalhealth, medical education, refugee health, and research. Protectedtime is allocated weekly for residents to pursue their trackinterests, allowing for deeper engagement in their specializedareas of focus.

Research Opportunities

The University of Rochester Pediatric Residency Programstimulates research involvement, offering access to a wealth ofresources and mentorship. Researchers conduct significant worktoward understanding and rectifying healthcare disparities inpediatric populations worldwide. Residents have the chance toengage in impactful research that spans bench work and clinicalstudies, enriched by support from experienced faculty.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Pediatric Residency Program actively pursues equity andinclusion for all its residents, with a particular commitment toanti-racism. Strategic actions are taken to recruit and supporthistorically underrepresented individuals in medicine. The programemphasizes a learning environment that is inclusive and respectful,ensuring that all voices are valued.

Resident Life

Residents enjoy a robust support system characterized by aclose-knit community. The program facilitates numerous eventsthroughout the year to sustain resident well-being, includingsocial gatherings, retreats, and active wellness initiatives.Offering catered lunches and an affordable living environment inRochester enhances resident satisfaction and work-life balance.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants are required to submit their applications through theElectronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program iscompetitive, with acceptance of both MD and DO applicants, as wellas International Medical Graduates (IMGs). It accommodates J-1 visasponsorship for eligible candidates, which includes specificqualifications related to graduation timelines and clinicalexperience.

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at Golisano Children’s Hospital, theprimary tertiary/quaternary care center, alongside RochesterGeneral Hospital which serves as a community training site. Thisdual exposure enables residents to acquire versatile skills andexperiences across a spectrum of healthcare settings.