University of Rochester Program

Pediatric Residency Program Overview

The Pediatric Residency Program at the University of Rochester is a three-year ACGME-accredited residency focused on training exceptional pediatricians. The program's mission is to prepare residents for various pathways in pediatrics while fostering their development as caring and competent professionals who improve children's health and wellbeing.

Key Strengths

The program integrates a well-balanced education across tertiary/quaternary care hospital settings and community hospitals. This dual exposure helps create graduates who are well-equipped for independent practice. Residents benefit from a diverse patient population, which enhances their training experience through a variety of clinical encounters.

Additionally, the residency promotes individual interests through optional participation in specialized tracks, such as digital health and innovation, community health & advocacy, global health, 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 outpatient settings, covering a broad spectrum of pediatric care including general pediatrics, emergency medicine, and subspecialty training.

Intern year includes rotations in inpatient pediatrics, newborn care, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, outpatient pediatrics, and community advocacy. During the second year, residents increase their supervisory and teaching responsibilities, while the third year focuses on enhancing autonomy further, involving rotations such as Pediatric Admitting Officer (PAO) roles. Core components of the curriculum include unique required rotations like Pediatric Links with the Community, Psychiatry, and Skills Blocks to develop clinical and professional skills.

Tracks

The program’s individualized curriculum features optional track opportunities aimed to align with residents’ career goals. Tracks provide a structure for residents to focus on areas such as community health advocacy, global healthcare projects, digital health, medical education, refugee health, and research. Protected time is allocated weekly for residents to pursue their track interests, allowing for deeper engagement in their specialized areas of focus.

Research Opportunities

The University of Rochester Pediatric Residency Program stimulates research involvement, offering access to a wealth of resources and mentorship. Researchers conduct significant work toward understanding and rectifying healthcare disparities in pediatric populations worldwide. Residents have the chance to engage in impactful research that spans bench work and clinical studies, enriched by support from experienced faculty.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Pediatric Residency Program actively pursues equity and inclusion for all its residents, with a particular commitment to anti-racism. Strategic actions are taken to recruit and support historically underrepresented individuals in medicine. The program emphasizes a learning environment that is inclusive and respectful, ensuring that all voices are valued.

Resident Life

Residents enjoy a robust support system characterized by a close-knit community. The program facilitates numerous events throughout the year to sustain resident well-being, including social gatherings, retreats, and active wellness initiatives. Offering catered lunches and an affordable living environment in Rochester enhances resident satisfaction and work-life balance.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program is competitive, with acceptance of both MD and DO applicants, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). It accommodates J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, which includes specific qualifications related to graduation timelines and clinical experience.

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at Golisano Children’s Hospital, the primary tertiary/quaternary care center, alongside Rochester General Hospital which serves as a community training site. This dual exposure enables residents to acquire versatile skills and experiences across a spectrum of healthcare settings.