Children's Hospital Oakland
Residency Program
Curriculum
First year (PL-1)
The goal for the first year is to learn the essentials of pediatric care. Under the supervision of faculty attendings, community pediatricians and senior house officers, first-year residents are broadly exposed to pediatric medicine, developing competency in the diagnosis and treatment of common inpatient and outpatient pediatric problems.
Residents also begin to develop their own practice, following "continuity patients" they will see in weekly clinics throughout their three-year training period.
First-year residents are responsible for initial comprehensive evaluations, as well as follow-up care of patients. PL-1s write all orders, perform all procedures, and develop treatment plans for their patients in collaboration with the supervising senior resident and attending.
Giving residents time to attend daily teaching conferences and to read about their patients' problems is a high priority. By the end of the first year, residents will have a solid foundation of core pediatric knowledge and clinical skills.
Block rotations include:
Block outline of PL-1 assignments
| Inpatient: | |
| General Medical Wards (Orange, Purple, Silver) | 16 to 18 weeks |
| Hematology/Oncology | 4 weeks |
| Pediatric Intensive Care Unit | 4 weeks |
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit | 4 weeks |
| Normal Newborn & Delivery Room | 4 weeks |
| Outpatient: | |
| Adolescent Medicine | 4 weeks |
| Primary Care (CAP) Clinics | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Emergency room | 4 weeks |
| Vacation | 4 weeks |
Second year (PL-2)
Second-year residents spend a larger portion of their time in primary care, emergency and subspecialty areas, to deepen their understanding of pediatric medicine. They assume greater responsibility for the comprehensive care of patients, supervision of PL-1s, and teaching of medical students.
The second year experience encourages independent decision-making and team leadership abilities. The Transport rotation, for example, lets the PL-2 act as leader of a transport team, making independent clinical decisions and stabilizing patients during their transfer from community hospital settings to our tertiary center.
The program also provides ample time for elective rotations in areas of special interest. By the second year, the resident's continuity clinic is well established and affords an excellent primary care experience with a consistent group of patients and families.
Block outline of PL-2 assignments
| Inpatient: | |
| Wards (Gen. Med.; Hem/Onc; Rehab.) | 14 weeks |
| NICU /Delivery Room | 8 weeks |
| Day Float/Anesthesia | 2 weeks |
| Outpatient: | |
| Emergency Room | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Primary Care (CAP) Clinics | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Elective (with call) | 8 weeks |
| Elective (without call) | 4 weeks |
| Vacation | 4 weeks |
Third year (PL-3)
In their third and final year of training, residents hone the skills needed to independently manage the entire spectrum of pediatric problems. PL-3s continue developing their leadership and teaching abilities.
Third-year residents serve as team leaders and medical consultants, and have major responsibility for the quality of patient care and the teaching of junior residents and medical students.
The third year curriculum differs from the PL-2 year primarily through increased elective time. Residents can tailor these opportunities to address self-identified weaknesses and to prepare themselves for their intended pediatric career.
The five months of electives can also be used for research or other projects related to child health. By graduation, our residents have mastered the skills required for their chosen career in pediatric medicine.
Block outline of PL-3 assignments
| Inpatient: | |
| Wards—Gen. Med.; Hem/Onc; Night float; Day Admit. | 10 weeks |
| PICU | 4 weeks |
| Outpatient: | |
| Emergency room (after-hours Urgent Care for 2 weeks) | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Primary Care (CAP) Clinics | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Elective (with call) | 12 weeks |
| Elective (without call) | 8 weeks |
| Vacation | 4 weeks |
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