Graduate Medical Education

Benefits, Stipends and Wellness

Residents and fellows do not accrue paid time off.  But they are entitled to a minimum of three weeks’ vacation. Each department is responsible for maintaining records of their residents’ and fellows’ time off.

Leave of Absence
A medical leave of absence with pay will be granted for short-term illness or injury, including pregnancy, for a period of up to 12 weeks.  Personal (nonmedical) leaves of absence without pay are available for a period of up to one year with the approval of the fellowship training director. 

After a leave of absence, the clinical fellow will be guaranteed a continuing position in the program at an equivalent pay level.  The impact of any leave of absence upon the terms of completion of the training requirements necessary to satisfy criteria for board certification will be individually determined.

Resident and fellow contracts are reviewed and approved on an annual basis by Cincinnati Children’s. Contract packets are mailed to all fellows and subspecialty residents by the GME office approximately three months before the start date. 

You may review the contracts for the upcoming academic year: 

• Resident Contract 2025 - 2026
• Clinical Fellow Contract 2025 - 2026
• Psychology Fellow Contract 2025 - 2026

Resident and Clinical Fellow Annual Stipends (2025-2026 Contract Year)
Note: Stipends for Psychology trainees will be provided by the Program.

Cincinnati Children's is committed to creating an environment in which every employee is capable of being resilient, mindful, safe and focused on taking care of themselves, each other and the patients and families we serve.

It is Cincinnati Children’s policy to provide a clinical learning environment that promotes well-being across the clinical care team to ensure safe and high quality patient care. Psychological, emotional, and physical well-being are critical in the development of competent, caring, and resilient physicians. To that end, Cincinnati Children’s provides a variety of resources to support the physical, emotional, financial, and professional well-being of residents and fellows.

These include:

• Family care benefits
• Lactation rooms
• Concierge services
• Cab fare reimbursement for fatigued residents and clinical fellows
• Mental health or counseling services
• Peer2Peer support program
• Spring Health App