Frequently Asked Questions

What are the strengths about this program?

Since April 1996, Connecticut Children's, a free-standing children’s hospital, has been the academic home for the Department of Pediatrics and the principal training site for the University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Program. We provide the widest array of cutting-edge treatment and care in the state for children of all ages. Through our contemporary curriculum and the outstanding faculty in the department of pediatrics and related specialties, residents learn to become highly skilled, dedicated and compassionate physicians committed to the care of children. Please see the Connecticut Children’s and Department of Pediatrics websites for more information.

What are the opportunities to prepare for fellowship in this program?

We have developed concentrations and pathways designed to optimize transition to individualized career choices. We have a track record of outstanding fellowship placement. During the second year of residency, residents attend a Career Planning Workshop. This workshop is geared towards helping residents decide and plan for their career options (fellowship, generalist, etc.) after graduation. The workshop also covers identifying a mentor for direction, updating their CV, how to find a position, or becoming a chief resident.

Tell me about your fellowship programs

The University of Connecticut offers 11 pediatric surgical and subspecialty fellowship programs in the following specialties:

Medical Genetics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Surgery, and Neonatology.

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

All residents have a longitudinal community experience working in the Hartford community in partnership with a community organization. Residents chose their community partners during intern orientation and built a relationship with the organization and clients during their residency. For those with greater interest there is a concentration in population health and a pathway in advocacy (REACH).

Are there any research opportunities?

Research opportunities are 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. There are three different research rotation opportunities aimed to learners with different research backgrounds.

In what settings does formal teaching occur?

Learning and teaching takes place in various settings: lectures, presentations, one-on-one coaching, conferences, and clinical encounters etc. We have a required didactic curriculum every Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. with two topics per session. There is a new evidence-based medicine didactic curriculum on Thursdays at noon that includes finding, selecting and applying best evidence in evaluating a topic, evaluating a critical event, critically reading medical literature and assessing a clinical pathway or guideline. There is a required inpatient case conference once per week at noon.

Do residents participate on night team?

Residents have four weeks of night team as PL-1 residents, six weeks as PL-2 residents, and five weeks as PL-3 residents. These experiences are highly valued by residents who enjoy 1:1 supervisory and primary provider resident experiences, supported by the needed faculty supervision.

What about work duty hours?

Residents are compliant with all duty hour requirements. This is scheduled to meet expectations and documented through an electronic badge swipe system. Residents average 57 to 58 hours per week, and work load compression is being addressed.

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. The remaining fifty percent of our graduates enter subspecialty fellowships and general hospitalist careers.

Where do most residents live?

The majority of our residents live in Connecticut, typically in the greater Hartford area, within 15 to 30 minutes from the Connecticut Children’s.

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.

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.

When is your deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is December 1.

How many letters of recommendation do I need to submit?

We require a minimum of three letters of recommendation. One of the recommendation letters should be from a core pediatric experience.

Do you require a letter from the Chair of Pediatrics?

A Chair of Pediatrics letter or a Program Director letter is an option but is not required.

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

We require that only one of your three letters of recommendations be from a pediatric faculty member.

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 four letters. We will review all of your letters of recommendation that we receive through ERAS.

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

We send an interview invitation via Thalamus 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.

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.

When are interviews scheduled?

Interviews are scheduled between the months of October and January.

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

We will do our best to accommodate your request, given available interviewers for the day you are scheduled to visit our program. Please let us know if you have a preference of specialty for your interview.

How are applicants selected?

Resident Enrollment

We select our applicants based on several criteria. We consider both past academic and professional performances as well as demonstrated interest in pediatrics. Along with an individual’s application, their interview also plays a significant role in the decision making process.

What is it like to live around the Hartford area?

The Hartford area provides an opportunity to conveniently live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting. Many residents live in the surrounding cities 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.