header

 

 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1.      What are the strengths about this program?

University of Connecticut’s Pediatric Residency Program prides itself on providing the best clinical and educational experience possible. Through our contemporary curriculum and the outstanding resource of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, residents learn to become highly skilled, dedicated and compassionate physicians committed to the care of children.
back to top

 

2.      What are the opportunities to prepare for Fellowship in this program?

During the 2nd year of residency, residents attend a CAREER PLANNING Teaching Workshop.  This workshop geared towards having residents start thinking, deciding and planning their career options (fellowship, generalist, etc.) after graduation.  The workshop also covers meeting mentor for direction, updating CV, how to find a job/fellowship, and reaching contract negotiations or choosing to remain an extra year as a chief resident.
back to top

 

3.      Tell me about your fellowship programs.

The University Pediatric Residency Program offers several fellowship programs in the following specialities: Endocrinology, General Academic Pediatrics, Pediatrics-Genetics, Neonatology, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Pulmonology. The overall goal for those who participate in fellowships is to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to later have a career in a corresponding field.
back to top

 

4.      What is the community elective like?  How does it work?

The 1st year residents can select up to 2 block electives, the 2nd year residents can choose up to 3 block electives and the 3rd year residents can choose up to 4 block electives and can choose a community experience(s) as an elective.  The goal of the community is for residents to develop an understanding the needs of patients as individuals in the community and develop relationships with community physicians.  Some of the pediatric community electives include: child abuse, needs for special health care, advocacy, etc.  Pediatric residents also the opportunity to design and create their own community electives as well as community programs and projects.
back to top

 

5.      Are there any research opportunities?

Residents may elect one to two research blocks. A wide variety of research opportunities is available to residents both in the Department of Pediatrics and elsewhere in the medical school and community. These range from molecular medicine to clinical studies or community projects. Residents will find faculty eager to help them identify and pursue these research experiences.
back to top

 

6.      In what settings does formal teaching occur?

Since April 1996, Connecticut Children's Medical Center has been the academic home for the Department of Pediatrics and the principal training site for the University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program.  Learning and teaching takes place in various settings: lectures, presentations, one-on-one coaching, conferences, etc.
back to top

 

7.      Night Float

All residents do approximately 6 weeks of night float experience during the second and third year. This is done in one or two week assignments to the inpatient service. The night float resident is on call Sunday through Thursday night, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 am.
back to top

 

8.      Duty Hours

We are in full compliance with the ACGME duty hour requirements. That means that our residents will not, and cannot work more than a maximum of 30 consecutive hours on call, no less than 1 day off in 7 when averaged across the month as representing our busiest rotations, and no less than 12 hours off between shifts.
back to top

 

9.      What do the residents typically go into, e.g. primary care vs. specialty?

Historically, fifty percent of our resident graduates have entered a general pediatrics practice. Of this group, many have chosen to engage in primary care practice here in Connecticut. While many of the rest of our graduates, enter subspecialty fellowships and general hospitalist careers.
back to top

 

10.   Where do most residents live?

The majority of our residents live in Connecticut, typically in the greater Hartford area 15 to 30 minutes away from the CT Children’s Medical Center.
back to top

 

11.    Is the yearly salary increase based on the cost of living?

Yes, the yearly salary increase is based on the cost of living and then it is presented to board of directors for approval.  Additionally, the yearly increase is based on the Coth Report which summarizes the salaries for residents in New England at teaching hospitals.
back to top

 

12.    Can I send a "Universal Application for Residency"? 

Applications will only be accepted through ERAS.  Application materials received through the U.S. Postal Service will not be reviewed.  You may learn more about ERAS at: http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/start.htm.
back to top

 

13.    When is your deadline for applications? 

The deadline for applications is December 1st.
back to top
           

14.    How many letters of recommendation do I need to submit? 

We require a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation.  One of the recommendation letters should be from a core pediatric elective.
back to top

 

15.    Do you require a letter from the Chair of Pediatrics? 

A Chair of Pediatrics including a Program Director letter is an option that is not required.
back to top

 

16.    Do all of my letters of recommendation need to be from pediatricians?

We require that only one of your 3 letters of recommendations be from a pediatric faculty member.
back to top

 

17.    Is there a maximum number of letters of recommendation you will accept?

Since we only accept applications through ERAS, there is often a limitation to how many letters of recommendations that it will accept. In previous years ERAS has accepted a maximum of 4 letters. We will review all of your letters of recommendation that we receive through ERAS.
back to top

 

18.    How will I be notified if I am offered an interview?

We send an interview invitation via email to the applicants we have reviewed and wish to offer an interview.  If we do not receive a response from you, we will contact you by telephone.
back to top

 

19.    When should I call to schedule an interview?

Selected applicants will be invited to schedule an interview after review of their application.  However, you can call or email our pediatric residency office to find out if your application has been reviewed.
back to top

 

20.    When are interviews scheduled?

Interviews are scheduled between the months of October and January.
back to top

 

21.    May I request a particular pediatric subspecialty physician to interview me at the residency interview?

Yes, you may request a particular pediatric subspecialty physician to interview you. Just review the faculty section of our website and let us know who you would like to interview you.
back to top

 

22.    How are applicants selected?

We select our applicants based on several criteria. We are concerned with both past academic and professional performances as well as founded interests in pediatrics.  Along with an individual’s application, their interview also plays a large role in the decision making process.
back to top

23.    What is it like to live around the Hartford area?

The Hartford area provides an opportunity to conveniently live in an urban, suburban, or country setting. Many house staff live in the city and enjoy the proximity to hospitals as well as the many opportunities often found in urban settings….theater, film, music, sports, and restaurants are all within easy reach.
Please contact the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce for more information about the Hartford area: www.metrohartford.com.