Things to look for in peds residency program?

[Vano]

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I am switching into Peds, starting interviews soon and wondering what things/factors are important to look for in a program and make a good program (location/geographical preference etc is obvious). For instance in EM we consider ED volumes, number and type of offservice months vs ED months, subspecialist support, special opportunities etc). So are there particular things in Peds that most people look for and compare programs based on those?
(and yes, I did review previous threads on the matter and didn't really find any, but if you find a good one do post the link!)

 

[michigangirl]

I would say that many of the factors are similar to what you looked for in ED residencies. Apart from a resident-friendly environment and a good vibe in general, you should look at what kind of subspecialty rotations are available at the insitution you are looking out, how many rotations there are off campus (i.e. for someone like me who knew I wanted to do ICU, do you have to go off site for an intensive ICU experience?), academic environment in terms of research being done, primary care experience (where do residents have their continuity clinic? do they like it?) among other factors depending on your interests. Get a feel for how many residents go into primary care vs. subspecialties-- I always felt a 50:50 mix was ideal, translating (usually) to a broad based experience. Is it a level I pediatric trauma center, and if not, do they see a reasonable amount of peds trauma? All things to think about. But most of al-- ask yourself if the residents seem happy.

 

[Smokemont]

If you don't mind could you comment on some of your reasons for switching from EM to peds for us students? Thanks.

 

[Stitch]

I'd also ask how involved the residents are in various procedures and patient management, especially if there are a lot of fellows. Do they feel involved or pushed aside? I think delivery experience is very important, and neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room is becoming a lost skill. Many gen peds jobs may require you to attend deliveries, and you should feel comfortable with it.

How connected to the community physicians is the program? Do residents do time with some of the pediatricians in private practice? PP office management and interactions can be quite different from continuity and establishing a good relationship during residency can open career doors for you.