Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Cohen Children's Medical Center Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine program at Cohen Children's Medical Center, which is a part of the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, provides a comprehensive and innovative approach to pediatric education, preparing residents to meet the challenges in the ever-evolving field of pediatric healthcare. The program aims to develop physicians who are proficient in managing cases across the pediatric spectrum, from general care to specialized services.

Cohen Children’s Medical Center is acknowledged as a leading pediatric facility and is recognized as a level 1 pediatric trauma center with a commitment to family-centered care, comprehensive research, resident wellness, and professional development. With over 500 pediatricians and 300 specialists, this facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and boasts one of the nation’s largest patient simulation centers.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program curriculum is a judicious blend of clinical experience and structured didactic learning designed to deliver exceptional patient care in diverse environments. The residents engage in a variety of rotations that emphasize practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The program includes:

• Intensive training in pediatric clinical practice through morning reports, clinical rounds, and lectures conducted by senior faculty and attending pediatricians.
• A strong emphasis on developing rigorous clinical skills along with exposure to advanced technologies in pediatric care.
• Focus on health equity and community engagement through tailored initiatives, such as the MENTOR program aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in medicine.

Rotations and Clinical Experiences

Residents at Cohen Children's Medical Center are afforded extensive opportunity to undertake diverse clinical rotations. This includes training in various pediatric subspecialties, facilitating a wide spectrum of exposure necessary for holistic development as a pediatrician. Rotations focus on global health, pediatric emergency medicine, and leadership development within diverse patient populations. Additionally, the program is known to provide unique international and domestic rotations that further enhance the educational experience.

Research Opportunities

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine program encourages scholarly pursuits among its residents. From the second year onward, residents are encouraged to engage in research projects and take a dedicated research month to advance their scholarly activity. Collaborations with the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research afford residents access to a cutting-edge biomedical research environment, promoting an inquiry-based approach toward patient care.

The program also actively supports residents who present their research at national meetings, covering travel expenses, thereby fostering a culture of academic excellence.

Application Process and Special Requirements

Applicants to the Pediatric Hospital Medicine program must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Graduation from a medical school located within the United States or Canada.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility for J1 or H1 visa sponsorship.
• Passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK/CS examinations.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, including one from the medical school dean.
• Official medical school transcripts, inclusive of third-year grades.

The application process begins with submitting the application via the electronic residency application system by the specified deadline. Interviews are typically conducted virtually, and candidates are evaluated on a holistic basis, considering all elements of their application.

Competitiveness and Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Pediatrics program is deemed highly competitive, with a strong track record of preparing residents for fellowships in various subspecialties. Approximately 75% of graduates from the program advance to subspecialty fellowships, illustrating its robust training focus. The initiative to develop programs such as MENTOR aids in cultivating a diverse medical workforce and provides tailored support for minority residents. The faculty is committed to enhancing recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in medicine.

Benefits and Lifestyle

The program prioritizes work-life balance and offers a wide range of benefits for residents. These include:

• Membership to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Catered lunches, advanced life support training, and reimbursement for conference attendance to present scholarly work.
• Housing benefits in campus-based apartments, with additional stipends for those who are not accommodated.

Through its comprehensive framework of academic opportunities and support geared towards holistic development, the program seeks to create an enriching environment that is responsive to the personal and professional aspirations of its residents.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine program is equipped to sponsor J1 and H1 visas for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs), making it accessible to a broader range of applicants who possess essential skills and experiences conducive to outstanding pediatric care.