TRAINING RESIDENTS FOR PRACTICE IN THE 21st CENTURY
We provide resident education that will enable our graduates to practice the highest standards of pediatric medicine, as well as be competitive for a fellowship position.
ABOUT THE
PROGRAM
The pediatric residency program at Ascension Sacred Heart was founded in 1965 based on a deep commitment to serve all children, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable.
Our program is dedicated to helping each resident recognize their full academic, clinical, and personal potential within an intellectually stimulating and emotionally supportive environment. Upon successful completion of the training program, the resident will be fully prepared for the general practice of pediatrics and if desired, further training in a subspecialty discipline. Our program has a strong emphasis on primary care and ambulatory medicine. The ambulatory experience includes a weekly continuity clinic and a busy primary care clinic, as well as pediatric emergency medicine and acute care rotations. Additional pediatric outpatient rotations include adolescent medicine and behavioral and developmental medicine. Inpatient rotations include the newborn nursery, neonatal intensive care nursery, pediatric intensive care unit, and pediatric medical-surgical unit. Our simulation and mock code curriculum allows residents to become comfortable with emergent patient scenarios as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a supportive learning environment.
Elective rotations allow pediatric residents to develop their own individual areas of interest. Our subspecialist physicians are always available to discuss patients and answer questions, either in person or by phone. We believe this type of interaction is a distinct advantage. Because there are no fellows to compete with, as a resident, you will have direct contact with the subspecialists, and all teaching comes directly from attending physicians and senior residents. Our residents are also an integral part of our lecture schedule, which encompasses all objectives outlined by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Mission Statement
The purpose of this three-year training program is to educate the resident in the breadth of the discipline of pediatrics and to foster a lifelong commitment to learning and the promotion of children’s health care. The resident will acquire cognitive knowledge, technical proficiency, and interpersonal skills through didactic lectures, small group conferences, interactive workshops, simulation training, individual instruction, independent reading, scholarly activity, and direct patient care. We commit ourselves to serving all children, with special attention to those who are poor, vulnerable, or underserved.
Program Aims
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Pediatric Residency Program at Ascension Sacred Heart
In fiscal year 2021-2022 The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart cared for:
474 children in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
1,073 premature and critically ill infants in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
3,715 children in our Medical/Surgical and Observation Units
4,084 babies delivered at our hospital
Over 30,000 children in our Pediatric Emergency Department, with 7 percent admitted to the hospital
7,406 children cared for in our Resident Clinic sponsored by Community Health Northwest Florida (CHNWF)
LIFE AS A RESIDENT
The pediatric residency program is designed to make our residents well-rounded advocates for children’s health issues, in addition to helping residents find careers as either subspecialists or general pediatricians. Our program is also unique in its wide variety of rotation experiences.
PGY-1
Our PGY-1 expectations are in accordance with the University of Florida. Individuals in the PGY-1 year are closely supervised by senior level residents and/or faculty.
Examples of tasks that are expected of PGY-1 physicians include: performance of a history and physical, order medication and diagnostic tests, collect and analyze test results and communicate those to the other members of the team and faculty, all under the supervision of the faculty or senior residents at the discretion of the responsible faculty member. The resident is expected to exhibit a dedication to the principles of professional preparation that emphasizes primacy of the patient as the focus for care. The first year resident must develop and implement a plan for self-directed learning, reading and researching of selected topics that promote personal and professional growth and be able to demonstrate successful use of the literature in dealing with patients. The resident should be able to communicate with patients and families about the disease process and the plan of care as outlined by the attending. At all levels, the resident is expected to demonstrate an understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and managerial factors inherent in providing cost effective care.
Your intern year will be divided into 13 4-week rotations blocks. Your year will include four or five general pediatrics inpatient blocks, four or six weeks of night float divided into two week half blocks, one newborn nursery block, one emergency medicine block, one outpatient pediatric clinic block, one community pediatrics block, and one adolescent medicine block. In addition, you will have 8 to 10 weeks of elective time in your intern year. Nearly every pediatric subspecialty rotation is offered at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. By allowing elective time during your intern year, we provide you with the opportunity to experience subspecialties that may be of interest to you and develop relationships with faculty early in your residency, to make educated decisions regarding future career options.
Our community pediatrics rotation, offered in your first year, is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in your role as a physician and child advocate by teaching you about the community resources available for your patients, which you will utilize for the remainder of your residency.
In keeping with current ACGME clinical and educational work-hour requirements, our pediatric residency program utilizes a night float system to provide care to our hospitalized patients in the Observation Unit, Heme/Onc Unit, Pediatric Med/Surg Unit, and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit overnight, as well as any new patients that are admitted to the hospital through the Pediatric Emergency Department. Intern night team responsibilities include handling floor issues and assisting in admitting and evaluating new patients under the supervision of your senior residents. Senior residents are responsible for covering the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit under the supervision of the intensivist physician on call, and residents are not responsible for coverage of the Newborn Nursery or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit overnight. Interns are not scheduled for any 24 hour overnight call shifts. Pediatric interns on the inpatient teams either have “golden weekends” each block to allow both Saturday and Sunday off, or have one weekday and one weekend day off each week to allow adequate time for errands, appointments, or simply relaxing and enjoying the beach!
PGY-2
Our PGY-2 expectations are in accordance with the University of Florida. Individuals in the second post graduate year are expected to perform independently the duties learned in the first year and may supervise routine activities of the first year residents. The PGY-2 should be able to demonstrate continued sophistication in the acquisition of knowledge and skills in pediatrics and further ability to function independently in evaluating patient problems and developing a plan for patient care. The resident at the second year level may respond to consults and learn the elements of an appropriate response to consultation in conjunction with the faculty member. Second year residents may manage critically ill patients including initial trauma care, ventilator management, resuscitation from shock, and antiarrhythmic therapy. Residents at this level can perform procedures and endoscopy under the direct supervision of faculty or senior level residents. The resident should take a leadership role in teaching the PGY-1 and medical students the practical aspects of patient care and be able to explain complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient and family. The resident should be adept at the interpersonal skills needed to handle difficult situations. The PGY-2 should be able to incorporate ethical concepts into patient care and discuss these with the patient, family, and other members of the health care team.
Second-year residents begin the transition to “senior” residents, by serving as supervisors of teams of medical students and interns, rotating through our pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, and have expanded time for elective rotations. This provides you with the opportunity to tailor your experiences to fit your future career goals. Your autonomy in patient care will be gradually increased, and you will oversee all other members of your team, in addition to providing guidance and teaching to interns during these months.
The second year of residency includes one NICU block, one PICU block, one emergency medicine block, one behavioral and developmental medicine block, and one outpatient pediatric clinic block. Second year residents also complete four to eight weeks as a supervising resident on the general inpatient pediatric teams, four to six weeks on the hematology/oncology inpatient service, and four to six weeks of night float divided into two week half blocks. In addition, you will have 12 to 16 weeks of individualized elective time. Second year residents are scheduled for two Saturday 24 hour call shifts each inpatient block, which means a total of two to four 24 hour calls over the entire year.
When your scholarly activity project receives approval from our Institutional Review Board, you can choose to take a dedicated research elective to begin to gather and analyze data for your project. One of your electives may also be at an outside facility that has a fellowship program in your area of interest.
PGY-3
Our PGY-3 expectations are in accordance with the University of Florida. In the third year, the resident should be capable of managing patients with virtually any routine or complicated condition and of supervising the PGY-1 and PGY-2 in their daily activities. The resident is responsible for coordinating the care of multiple patients on the team assigned. The PGY-3 can perform progressively more complex procedures under the direct (on-site) supervision of the faculty. It is expected that the third year resident be adept in the use of the literature and routinely demonstrate the ability to research selected topics and present these to the team. At the completion of the third year, the resident should be ready to practice pediatrics independently.
In your third year of residency, you will continue to play a supervisory role in the training and education of junior residents and medical students, as you prepare for independent practice or continued fellowship training. PGY-3 residents currently have the following experiences: one NICU block, one PICU block, one outpatient clinic block, and choice of one emergency medicine or one outpatient acute care clinic block. In addition, third year residents will complete four to eight weeks of inpatient pediatrics, and four to six weeks of night float divided into two week half blocks. You will have a total of 20 to 24 weeks of individualized elective time. Third year residents are scheduled for two Saturday 24 hour call shifts each inpatient block, which means a total of two to four 24 hour calls over the entire year.
4th YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS
If you are a fourth year medical student looking to complete a clinical rotation experience with the University of Florida Pediatric Residency Program at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, please visit our Medical Students page for more information.
BENEFITS
As a member of the house staff, you will find that the pediatric residency program provides a very competitive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance. Residents also have paid vacations, a yearly CME allowance and a research stipend to offset the costs of travel for abstract presentations at national meetings.
ANNUAL SALARY
First Year – $58,064
Second Year – $60,007
Third Year – $64,577
INSURANCE BENEFITS
- Major Medical Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Professional Liability Insurance
LEAVE
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- Parental / Medical Leave
- Continuing Medical Education
OTHER BENEFITS
- Meal Stipends are provided for while at work and/or on call
- State of Florida licensure application process and fees
- Lab coats, scrubs, and business cards
- Varying membership and/or examination fees
Resident Educational Allowance
Residents are given a $600/year allowance, rolling over four years, which may be used for educational purposes including conference expenses, textbooks, journals or research-related expenses.
For more information about insurance benefits, please see the University of Florida College of Medicine benefits guide.
CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
Contracted personnel available on request.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS
The primary program goal of the pediatric residency program at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart is to achieve and maintain excellence in the education and training of pediatricians by assuring an organized educational experience with increasing responsibilities over three years in a setting where mutual respect between learners and teachers is fostered, where there is a diverse patient population, and where the teaching staff is enthusiastic and committed to teaching. This experience is designed to promote the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to practice pediatrics, to develop the progressive autonomy of residents, and to provide them with appropriate levels of supervision.
The program’s objectives are defined under the ACGME six core competencies:
- Patient Care
- Professionalism
- Medical Knowledge
- Practice Based Learning and Improvement
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Systems Based Practice
Objectives
- Achieve competency in patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health. Residents must be able to provide family centered patient care that is developmentally and age appropriate, compassionate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
- Achieve competency in medical knowledge and the application of this knowledge in patient care. Residents must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral science, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to patient care.
- Achieve competency in interpersonal and communication skills which results in effective information exchange when working with patients, their families, and other health professionals.
- Achieve competency in practice-based learning and improvement. Residents must demonstrate competence in the use of scientific methods and evidence to investigate, evaluate, and improve their patient care practices. The goal of this being to create an inquisitive, life-long learner, knowledgeable in the processing of medical information which can be utilized in care of patients now and in the future.
- Achieve competency in professionalism as manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
- Achieve competency in systems-based practice. This includes developing a working knowledge and comfort in the role of pediatrician as advocate for child health related issues.
Our
PARTNERS
The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart is proud to partner with our local pediatricians and national subspecialty pediatric physician practices to bring the highest level of care available to our communities.
Community Health Northwest Florida (CHNWF) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and as such qualifies for funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act as well as for enhanced reimbursement from Medicaid and Medicare. It serves the underserved population of our area and provides comprehensive services including preventive health services, dental services, and mental health services. CHNWF is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for the underserved, underinsured and uninsured population and treat each person with respect, dignity, and compassion regardless of age, gender, race, religion, circumstances, or ability to pay. Learn More About CHNWF
Pediatrix Medical Group is a national medical group comprised of neonatal, maternal-fetal and pediatric medical and surgical physician subspecialists. The Children’s Hospital partners with sub-specialty trained neonatologists at Pediatrix Medical Group to provide the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Learn More about our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
In Pensacola, Florida, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital and ER is a critical care hospital with advanced specialty care services. Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida, is a full-service 566-bed hospital with 24/7 emergency care.In our adult and pediatric emergency rooms, we deliver care for life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our care teams listen to quickly understand your health needs and deliver care that’s right for you. We offer a Level II Trauma Center, the region’s only Pediatric Trauma Referral Center and the area’s only nationally certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola serves the Northwest Florida region and is a destination for specialty care – including:
- Regional Heart and Vascular Institute
- Kidney transplant program affiliated with University of Florida Health
- Specialized brain and spine care
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Perinatal care with neonatal specialists
- We offer a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, imaging, lab tests and rehabilitation services, all on one campus.
Trinity Pediatrics Residency Program & Pediatric Convenient Care
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
The Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart offers a wide range of services to meet all of a child’s medical needs, from a pediatric emergency room and pediatric oncology unit to our pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric surgical services.
As Northwest Florida’s only children’s hospital, Ascension Sacred Heart utilizes medical transportation – available day and night – to bring prematurely born, critically ill and injured babies and children to The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart from hospitals across Northwest Florida, Southern Georgia and Southern Alabama. Ascension Sacred Heart utilizes both ground and air medical transportation to serve approximately 500 prematurely born and critically ill infants and children each year.
Our medical staff includes more than 120 board-certified physicians across 22 pediatric specialties:
In addition to our medical staff, The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart offers an entire team trained to care for children, including:
- Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
- Pediatric Dietitians
- Pediatric Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy
- Pediatric Social Services
- Child Life Program
- Facility Dog Program
Ascension Sacred Heart is able to care for a new generation of children with the opening of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart – a new four-story children’s hospital – along with a major expansion to women’s services. The expanded children’s hospital allows the hospital to provide care for more children, increase access to specialized pediatric and maternity care, and consolidate inpatient pediatric services in one convenient location.
The new four-story, 120,000 square-foot building connects to the current children’s hospital by a ground level, glass-covered walkway and includes:
- Pediatric Emergency Department and Trauma Center, an expansion and relocation of Ascension Sacred Heart’s current Pediatric Emergency Department.
- Pediatric Operating Room Space, including six, pediatric-dedicated operating rooms and two procedure rooms.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a total of 72 level II and level III beds. The expansion and relocation of Ascension Sacred Heart’s NICU enables The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart to care for more premature and critically ill infants from across Northwest Florida.
- Pediatric Oncology, with an expanded nine bed inpatient unit to provide specialized, inpatient care for children with cancer. This unit includes an immersive movie room for our kids to hangout in as well as a playroom all to themselves. We also provide a separate family support room complete with washers and dryers as well as family style dining table and kitchenette.
- Fourteen observation beds represent a new inpatient unit for The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, caring for children who aren’t yet ready to go home.
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 10 specialized beds dedicated to the care of the most critically ill children. Private rooms with family sleeping space and state of the art interactive murals.
Research
Each resident is required to participate in a research/scholarly activity project, and our program will provide you with the tools you need to be successful. Residents have the ability to choose either a quality improvement based project or a clinical science based project. Residents will select a faculty research mentor who will help guide them in their research. Our faculty provide didactics throughout the year on critical review of the literature, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine, in addition to facilitating resident research ideas and activities. At the completion of your project, you will have the opportunity to create an abstract, poster, platform presentation, and journal article, to gain experience in all research publication formats.
If your research is accepted for presentation at a national meeting, our program offers annual research CME, which covers residents’ travel in order to present research at national meetings. Our residents have been selected for poster and platform presentations at regional and national meetings, as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals.
EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES
Formal learning does not end with medical school. Many aspects of pediatrics require additional didactic instruction before they can be integrated into the resident’s fund of working knowledge. A scholastic series of lectures for residents has been developed to include the broad range of issues of importance to pediatricians.
Resident Educational Conferences
All residents are expected to attend scheduled conferences unless specifically excused. A minimum attendance rate of 80 percent is required.
SAFETY HUDDLE
Monday, Wednesday — Friday 8:00 – 8:15 am
MORNING REPORT
Monday — Friday 7:30 – 8:00 am
NOON CONFERENCE
Monday — Friday 12:00 - 1:00 pm
program coordinator
