Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center Program

The NY Health + Hospitals/Woodhull Pediatric Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience as an ACGME-accredited categorical pediatrics program with 30 positions. Located in Brooklyn, the program is affiliated with both New York University School of Medicine and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, allowing residents to gain wide-ranging clinical exposure and experience. The mission of the program is to develop highly skilled pediatricians who advocate for children's health within underserved communities, providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care regardless of patients' financial capabilities 1.

Curriculum

The Pediatric Residency Program follows a structured curriculum divided into 13 four-week cycles across three years, including 4 weeks of vacation. Each year’s rotations are designed to ensure broad clinical competency in essential aspects of general pediatrics. The core curriculum incorporates significant opportunities for experiential learning in diverse communities, reflecting a commitment to primary care and the management of a comprehensive range of pediatric conditions 1.

Rotations

The program includes several vital components:

• Continuity Clinic: Residents are assigned to a mentor pediatrician, providing individualized education paired with patient care exposure.
• Outpatient/Ambulatory Services: Residents rotate through various subspecialty clinics and the acute care/walk-in clinic with opportunities to manage a wide spectrum of medical problems.
• Subspecialty Rotations/Electives: Residents experience required rotations in areas such as Adolescent Medicine, Cardiology, and Hematology/Oncology while being able to select electives that address specific interests.
• Emergency Medicine: Residents manage children in an emergency setting under supervising attendings, facilitating acute care training through hands-on experience.
• Inpatient Services: Interns take primary responsibility on the inpatient unit, gaining valuable leadership experience and patient management skills during rotations in the NICU and PICU.

Each aspect of the curriculum is designed to foster clinical judgment, teamwork, and rigorous academic engagement for residents 1.

Research and Academics

Research is an integral part of training, with residents required to engage in quality improvement projects and are encouraged to participate in original research 1. Additionally, the program hosts regular academic events such as:

• Morning Reports: Focused on case-based discussions and teaching.
• Grand Rounds: Held bi-monthly, concentrating on presenting and discussing cases and new findings.
• Research Days: Opportunities to present projects at local and national levels, enhancing residents' exposure to academic and research accomplishments.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Woodhull Pediatric Residency Program offers a uniquely supportive environment due to its relatively small size, which facilitates individualized attention 1. The program emphasizes wellness by organizing monthly wellness events and ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all residents. Situated in Brooklyn, residents can easily navigate commuting owing to the robust public transport network, allowing them to explore the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City during their free time 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The residency program is open to International Medical Graduates (IMGs), offering visa sponsorship primarily under the J-1 exchange visitor program and H-1B visas for a select number of candidates. ECFMG certification is a prerequisite for IMGs, showcasing a commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive environment 1. The program is commonly considered competitive as it seeks candidates who exhibit strong academic performance and professionalism, although there is no strict “cut off” score on USMLE examinations 1. Preference is shown to recent graduates and those with relevant clinical experience.

Application Requirements

Applications are only accepted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates must submit specific documentation, including:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcript
• Dean's Letter
• Three Letters of Recommendation (preferably one in Pediatrics)
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 results

The program prefers candidates who have passed both exams on their first attempt and emphasizes that clinical observerships and externships are not considered acceptable forms of employment for application purposes 1.