Pediatric Surgery

During the first year of the program, the resident receives comprehensive clinical experience in pediatric surgical problems and acquires a broad base of knowledge in:

• Neonatal and pediatric physiology
• Relevant embryology
• Nutritional and pharmacological support of children

Through a mandatory rotation in neonatology, he or she gains experience in the management of neonates requiring intensive respiratory and supportive care. Similarly, rotations in pediatric otolaryngology and urology increase the knowledge base and experience in these respective areas. Additionally, electives are offered in critical care and cardiac surgery.

The resident participates in weekly outpatient clinics staffed by pediatric surgical faculty and is responsible for evaluating and developing patient care management plans, as well as providing follow-up for patients who have received surgical care. He or she also participates in the long-term management of patients who have complex and chronic problems or anomalies and are followed by the surgical service. Working closely with a faculty mentor, the first-year trainee is expected to develop a clinical research project that will result in scientific presentation(s) and publication(s).

Faculty in the division formally evaluate the resident every three months. If the trainee has achieved sufficient mastery of clinical, educational and administrative skills at the completion of the first year, he or she is promoted to chief resident.

The chief resident functions as the clinical team leader and coordinator for the pediatric surgical service and the trauma program. Also, in collaboration with the training program director (Daniel von Allmen, MD), the chief resident coordinates all educational programs of the division.

He or she is expected to perform more independently, making important decisions regarding preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management of patients. Progression of responsibility that leads to independent practice upon completion of training is strongly fostered by the pediatric surgery faculty.