Curriculum

A strong curriculum with individual teaching

We build our curriculum around strong, general pediatric experiences. These experiences are the intellectual backbone of pediatrics, regardless of your ultimate career choice. We have transitioned to a 13-block schedule (four weeks each) for all levels of training.

Since this process can best be taught by demonstration, we encourage one on one teaching opportunities between the faculty and our residents. It is in such settings that housestaff learn the art of pediatrics. Attending physicians are always available to discuss patient care issues and serve as guides in the process of resident education. The high ratio of full time, attending staff to the number of pediatric residents allows ample opportunity for one on one teaching. Our size gives us the advantage of tailoring residency education to meet specific requirements and situations. It’s not uncommon for residents to have their schedule adjusted to include protected research time, international experiences, and public health rotations.

Because the patient is the best teacher, your first year as a resident is characterized by the personal management of children with a variety of problems or illnesses. First-year residents are considered the primary caregivers, responsible for the evaluation and management of all children under their care. One-half of the year is devoted to outpatient rotations and the newborn nursery. While on the inpatient services, first-year residents are on day call two out of four weekends and are supervised by an in-house, senior level resident. Weeknights (Sunday through Friday), the hospital is covered by a night team that consists of a PL1 and a PL2 resident covering the floor. There is a PL3 handling ED admissions who is also available. While the hospital maintains a PICC team, phlebotomy service and an IV team, first-year residents are encouraged to develop proficiency in the performance of technical procedures such as IV placement, blood drawing, and lumbar punctures.

PL1 Rotations

Elective	1 block
Emergency Medicine	1 block
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	2 blocks
Inpatient General Pediatrics and Neurology	1 block
Inpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics	1 block
Harrisburg Hospital Inpatient Pediatrics	1 block
Harrisburg Hospital Outpatient / Newborn	1 block ( Nursery Mornings and Outpatient Acutes in the Afternoon)
Outpatient Acute/Sick Visits	1 block
Newborn Nursery	2 weeks
Night Owl	Two 2-week blocks, Sunday through Friday night
Advocacy	2 weeks
Adolescent Medicine	1 block
Vacation	Two 2-week blocks (20 working days)
Continuity clinic	1 half day a week

During their second year, residents divide their time between subspecialty rotations and specialized ward rotations. It is on these subspecialty rotations that the residents learn to become consultants. The house officer works closely with faculty, becomes skilled in the performance of diagnostic procedures, and is actively involved in patient management decisions. In preparation for major supervisory responsibility in the senior year, second-year residents rotate through the PICU, NICU and the emergency room and serve one rotation as ward chief.

PL2 Rotations

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	1 block
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit	1 block
Inpatient Hematology/Oncology	1 block
Inpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics	1 block
Private Practice/PICU/Hospitalist Selective	Two 2-week blocks
Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics	1 block
Emergency Medicine	1 block
Night Float Senior	Two 2-week blocks (Night Float Senior)
Pediatric Surgery/Anesthesia	1 block
Continuity clinic	1 half day /week
Vacation	Two 2-week blocks (20 working days)
Elective	3 blocks

The third-year resident learns to be a supervisor, educator, manager, and leader. The resident is expected to become a role model, passing on knowledge, skills, and attitudes to those who follow. Supervisory rotations are provided in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Elective time is scheduled for independent research or additional clinical rotations either at Hershey or at another institution. Continuity clinic continues and expands, as the house officer becomes more independent in patient care.

PL3 Rotations

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit	1 block
Inpatient General Pediatrics and Neurology	1 block
Inpatient Hematology/Oncology	1 block
Harrisburg Hospital Inpatient Pediatrics	1 block
Newborn Nursery Senior	1 block
Outpatient Acute/Sick Visit	1 block
Night Senior	Two 2 week blocks
Electives	3 blocks
Teaching Resident	1 block
Milton Hershey School	1 block
Continuity Clinic	1 half day/week
Vacation	4 weeks (20 working days)