Broward Health Program

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Specialty: Pediatrics
ACGME Code: 3201100431

The Pediatric Residency Program at the Children’s Hospital provides an enriching environment for medical professionals aiming to excel in pediatric care. This program operates within a tertiary care children’s hospital, emphasizing a balance between academic rigor and practical clinical experience. The program is designed to foster excellence in clinical care and superior patient outcomes, utilizing a child- and family-centered approach that underpins the educational experience throughout residency.

Curriculum Highlights

The program features a dynamic, competency-based curriculum that integrates didactic learning with hands-on clinical experiences. Residents benefit from direct supervision by board-certified pediatric hospitalists and specialists across various pediatric subspecialties. This allows for a comprehensive training experience that prepares graduates to become health care leaders in an increasingly complex health care landscape. The curriculum incorporates extensive exposure to primary care pediatrics, management of critically ill patients, as well as research and advocacy initiatives essential to pediatric medicine 1.

Rotations Overview

Residents participate in a structured rotation schedule over three years, comprising several core and elective experiences:

PGY1 Rotations

– **Pediatric Inpatient Rotation:** Interns work in teams to provide quality care under the guidance of hospitalists.

– **Night Float Rotation:** Residents manage pediatric patients over 14-hour shifts with support from attending physicians.

– **Hematology/Oncology Rotation:** Exposure to different hematological and oncological conditions, with opportunities to perform procedures like lumbar punctures.

– **Pediatric Emergency Medicine Rotation:** Hands-on experience in a busy, level 1 trauma center dealing with a variety of pediatric cases.

– **Ambulatory Clinic Rotation:** Residents follow patients over three years in outpatient settings for continuity of care.

– Additional rotations include Newborn Nursery Rotation, Developmental Pediatrics, and Adolescent Medicine, among others.

PGY2 and PGY3 Rotations

In subsequent years, residents take on more advanced roles, transitioning into senior resident positions, with rotations that include:

– **Pediatric ICU:** Managing critically ill patients in a level 1 trauma center.

– **Neonatal Intensive Care Unit:** Working with acute and chronic neonatal conditions with extensive procedural exposure.

– **Advocacy Rotation:** Engaging with community resources to understand patient advocacy in real-world scenarios.

– Optional elective rotations in various subspecialties to further mentor residents in their chosen fields of interest.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pediatric Residency Program fosters a strong mentor-mentee relationship between faculty and residents, allowing residents to learn in an environment that values collaboration and support. Furthermore, the curriculum adapts to include elective opportunities, allowing residents to tailor their education through specialized areas of interest. The diverse patient population that the program serves provides a rich learning atmosphere conducive to professional development 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research initiatives aimed at advancing pediatric medicine. The program emphasizes the importance of research as a critical component of residency training to enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Visa Support and Requirements

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates. Specifically, the program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing for entry into the United States to complete residency training. Applicants should be mindful of any special requirements, such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams or year of graduation constraints.

Competitiveness and Diversity

This Pediatric Residency Program fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is known to be competitive, which emphasizes the importance of a strong academic background, clinical experiences, and letters of recommendation.

Director

Kristie Rivers, MD
Program Director

Coordinators

Debra Holguin-Ruano
GME Manager
Ms. Victoria E Ramos, MHSA
Program Coordinator
Mr. Alex Hall
Program Coordinator

Program

Program size
8, 8, 8 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2015

Training

Fellowship Rate: 46%
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio: 1X

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 63 hours
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 14 hours
First Year Salary: $58 413
First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days
First Year Paid Sick Leave: N/A

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 239
Visa Sponsorship: J1
YOG Cutoff: 2

Match History

Track: 1892320C0
2025
9 of 9
2024
3 of 9
2023
6 of 8
2022
8 of 8
2021
8 of 8
2020
8 of 8

Location

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Population
182 760
Income
$77 719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
43
Housing - Rental Prices
Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Rate per 100,000 Residents

Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Fort Lauderdale has a moderate crime rate. It is recommended to take standard safety precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
  • Fun Activities: Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, shopping, dining, and water sports like boating and fishing.
  • Climate: The climate is tropical with hot and humid summers and warm winters. It's perfect for those who enjoy beach activities.
  • Races and Population: Fort Lauderdale is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities in its population.
  • Education: The city has various educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, offering a range of educational opportunities.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is relatively high, especially housing prices. It's essential to consider this when planning your budget.
  • Nearest Bigger Cities: Miami is about a 45-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale, providing access to more urban amenities, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
  • Pros: Beach lifestyle, diverse community, proximity to major city (Miami).
  • Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, occasional hurricanes.
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