Pediatric Residency Program

Educational Curriculum

At Cincinnati Children's we value bedside learning.

At the core of the Pediatric Residency Training Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is an extensive and diverse didactic curriculum. Your education in pediatrics will be augmented through our core curriculum, which parallels that tested by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Resident case in a large group setting, appraising a journal article in a small group or rounding at a patient's bedside. As a resident, you will be taught the finer points of leading case discussions, appraising the medical literature and teaching other physicians. A variety of different formats, personal teaching and innovative topics maintain our conference attendance at very high levels.

Morning Report (Daily)

An interesting case is presented by a ward team and discussed amongst the residents, in corroboration with invited faculty. Each Thursday the residency Program Director and faculty lead discussions on the vital topics of professionalism, bioethics, family-centered care, patient safety and other important topics in pediatrics.

FIRMS Rounds (Bimonthly)

One of our favorites! Cases are presented to the residents and faculty present, who then divide into groups to discuss their differential diagnoses and workups. Differences amongst teams are discussed, always highlighting excellent teaching points.

Noon Conference (Daily)

Didactic conferences presented in a variety of formats by invited faculty in their areas of expertise. Conferences are arranged such that nearly the entirety of the American Board of Pediatrics curriculum is presented here over a three year period. Lunch is always served.

Watson Rounds (Monthly)

In honor of Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame, one resident is named Watson for each of four cases presented by the Chief Residents. A clue to the diagnosis is given prior to the case. As the case unfolds, Watson solves the diagnostic dilemma using the clinical information available combined with the clue.

The Residency Training Program offers an extensive and diverse didactic curriculum.

Chairman's Rounds (Weekly)

Each senior resident has the opportunity to refine their presentation skills by preparing an interesting patient presentation and didactic discussion related to their diagnosis and management. These conferences take place in the Sabin Auditorium or the Research Auditorium and are attended by the Chair of Pediatrics. The presentations are archived and distributed to all graduating residents.

Senior Rounds (Biweekly)

A 45-minute, twice weekly small group seminar led by invited faculty and chief residents designed to focus on board preparation and in-depth discussion of various pediatric disorders.

Evidence-Based Medicine Series (Monthly)

We give you the skills to read and interpret the medical literature. Concepts such as odds ratios and number needed to treat are explained in the context of the patients we care for.

The Next Level (Bimonthly)

A small group conference where we systematically review landmark articles in the pediatric literature to provides depth to the understanding we derive from our diverse clinical experience. All residents are invited to attend.

Intern Rounds (Monthly)

A conference designed to establish the basics of diagnosing and treating common pediatric diseases. Taught by the Chief Residents in an interactive, often hands-on format.

Radiology FIRMS (Bimonthly)

Previously the individual ward teams had attended conferences held in the department of Radiology during the week. In 2007-2008 the Radiologists will come to us.  Faculty Radiologists will now join us for Morning Report. The focus will not only be on interpretation of radiographs, but also on the rationale behind why we order a particluar study. The curriculum is centered around the diagnosis and imaging of common Pediatric diseases such as pneumonia, appendicitis, and orthopedic injuries among others.

Pediatric Grand Rounds (Weekly)

An institution-wide Tuesday-morning conference presented by invited speakers. Content varies from comprehensive subject reviews by field experts to ground-breaking research presentations. Discussions are archived and presented on closed circuit television, videoteleconferenced to local clinical care satellites and is then placed on www.cincinnatichildrens.org for public use. The conference is attended by local practitioners and hospital staff alike.

Human Patient Simulator (Monthly on select rotations)

Resident teams work together in a simulated setting to resuscitate a high-end pediatric simulator. At our world-class center for resuscitation located at the nearby MERC building, residents are taught by dedicated faculty the art and science of pediatric resuscitation, including skills such as IO and IV insertion, chest tube placement and endotracheal intubation.

Procedure Lab (Interns on NICU rotations)

Interns on their NICU rotations will attend a two-hour procedures lab during which the skills of neonatal intubation and umbilical catheter placement will be taught by a Chief Resident.

Morbidity and Mortality Conference (Monthly)

A forum for open discussion of cases of suboptimal delivery of medical care leading to illness or death in our patients. We review a case that resulted in morbidity or mortality and discuss systems based changes that might prevent undesirable outcomes in the future.

Stump the Faculty (Monthly)

Our world-renowned faculty (including the Chair himself) are put to the test, as they work through a compelling case presented by the residents. We learn from witnessing how experts ask questions, and discuss their differential diagnois for a complicated patient.

Learning to Lead

The PL-1 year emphasizes broad practical experiences in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. You will be responsible for the direct care of patients admitted to you and take active roles in formulating their treatment plans. While on call, you will be the first to evaluate and initiate proper therapy for patients experiencing problems. Senior residents are in-house and readily available to provide back-up and answer questions. All first-year residents rotate through community pediatricians' offices to learn the medical and business aspects of office pediatrics.

Experiences during the PL-2 year emphasize continued development of clinical skills. Second-year residents spend time on subspecialty electives, as well as rotating through the emergency department and intensive care units.

During the wards, you will become an active leader in diverse settings, including the emergency department and nurseries. Ward senior residents directly supervise patient care and educate PL-1s, PL-2s and medical students.

Throughout training, you will benefit from close interaction with the fellows we train in nearly 30 subspecialties. Fellows do not write orders on patients or directly manage their care, but their specialized expertise and accessibility are valuable resources.

Contact Us

For more information about the Pediatric Residency Program, please contact Diane M. Skeen, Program Coordinator, 513-636-4315 or 1-800-344-2462, ext. 4315, chmccpeds@cchmc.org.