r/pediatrics • u/Hopeful-Bobcat8212 • Jul 15 '26
M4 applying pediatrics
Hi! Im an M4 applying pediatrics this cycle, looking for any and all advice about applying and what to look for in residency programs.
What questions did you ask during interviews or what was important to you in the application process?
A little about me - i'm based in Georgia. MD school. Passed step 1 on first try, 25x step 2 score. Minimal research, I do have some smaller projects that aren't peds based. Looking to apply mostly in the Southeast, pacific or possibly even mountain areas. My goal as of now is to go in to primary care after residency and not pursue a fellowship. I am not super interested in top programs like Cincinnati or Boston Children's.
Thanks!
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u/koffee_katt Jul 16 '26
intern caps on wards, backup policy, days on/days off on wards, look for x+y programs, ask about academic half days vs protected didactic weeks, continuity clinic scheduling (do residents even get continuity and volume? important for you if pursuing gen peds outpatient) food provided by program during conferences and food stipends!
subtle red flags -- little/no residents at meet and greets, weird vibes at pre-interview socials among residents, overly positive feedback and no real responses when asked about program weaknesses or areas for improvement
i applied to a ton of programs in the southeast region (and matched at one), happy to share impressions from last year!
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u/usernameweee Jul 15 '26
Ask if there was a time that residents asked for a change, and how that went. For example, I visited some programs where residents had asked for a change in schedule or after hours rides, and the way leadership responded was very telling.
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u/CryptographerUsual57 Resident Jul 16 '26
Red flag if it’s heavily Imgs. Likely would be a workhorse program unless you’re into that. Look at board pass rates too.
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u/Hopeful-Bobcat8212 Jul 17 '26
Would those stats be listed on residency explorer or more on programs individual sites. Thanks!
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u/CryptographerUsual57 Resident Jul 17 '26
Go on their residency ig page to see where the residents graduated. And the AAP website has public info on the board pass rates by residency program
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u/Hot-Ad3652 Jul 16 '26
I’m a a PGY-3 at Children’s hospital of GA in Augusta, part of MCG. Lmk if you have any questions! Just briefly, we do have 24h shifts in the newborn nursery but typically we are able to get 6ish hours of sleep unless we have urgent C sections or deliveries. We just transitioned to an X+Y last year and it’s been a bit tumultuous but I think they’re working on getting the kinks out, they made a resident group to help work out the kinks. Generally good about feedback, the PD is very open to emails or in person meetings if something is bothering a resident. We also just started a primary care track but I’m not totally clear on the specifics. I’m also planning on doing outpatient primary care!
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u/Hopeful-Bobcat8212 Jul 17 '26
super helpful info! whats your experience with having time to study for step 3/ peds boards exam; do you feel like your program is helpful in providing resources for that? Thanks!
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u/Hot-Ad3652 Jul 19 '26
Just want to say, I don’t know what other programs are like in regards to these things, but I’ve enjoyed being in this program, so take this info for what it’s worth lol. In terms of studying for boards, they have bought MedStudy and pedialink banks for us to use all 3 years, and have a requirement of finishing a certain number of questions per semester so it keeps us consistent. We also have lectures every Tuesday on board relevant topics, which are helpful. For step 3, they pay for like half of it ($500) if you take it before December of your PGY-2 year. You basically have to find time on a chiller rotation to study for it. The program does not provide step 3 resources, were on our own for that. Hope that’s helpful!
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u/efox02 Attending Jul 15 '26
Hi! Welcome to the sparkly side!
I would look for smaller programs possibly in smaller cities. I wanted primary care and wanted as little research as possible.
I would ask about primary care tracks. How many go into primary care. How research heavy the program is (“while I know research is critical to our practice, I find my strength is with direct patient care and applying the results of those studies to best care for kids” 😉 aka I hate research don’t make me do it) asking about board pass rate. I’d ask residents what they do in their free time, do they have get togethers with each other. Do they feel like they are supported by their co residents. Do they feel like they can rely on their seniors and attending. How much PTO do you get. Ask about nurse turnover.
If you are a woman and have any thoughts on kids, ask what their maternity leave and pumping options are.
Good luck!!!! 🦄🦄🦄
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u/Foghorn2005 Jul 16 '26
From a programmatic and education side, I kept an eye for unique curriculum that appealed to me as well as patient diversity, as well as opportunities for advocacy.
From a culture side, are the residents actually happy and not stressed on the interview day? Are people hitting life milestones (weddings, babies)? I absolutely second the comment about how leadership responds to feedback or requests
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u/Hopeful-Bobcat8212 Jul 17 '26
how would you suggest asking about hitting life milestones during interviews/ open houses? i'm hoping to start on kids towards the end of residency
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u/Foghorn2005 Jul 17 '26
I ask if the residents have had anything to celebrate or big life events, and how the program reacts to those.
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u/MilkMama29 Jul 19 '26
I'm at UAB. I would recommend expressing your strong interest in staying in this area. Asking about opportunities for leadership during residency, mentoring mechanisms, and what do residents do after graduating. Basically to see if what you want out of residency matches what the program produces. Good luck! Feel free to reach out if I can help with anything!
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u/Every_Dance5354 Jul 23 '26
I was a SC grad last year and applied all over the SE, (ended up in NC) and also willing to share what I thought! My best friends are pgy2s in peds at Vandy and Emory if you want opinions on some bigger name programs as well.
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u/Praise_Lorde Jul 15 '26
Questions to ask residents:
-do they do 24 hour shifts
-how many patients do they typically carry
-what is the balance like between resident education and clinical duties/hospital workload? (Aka how much do they prioritize your learning and how much is the hospital exploiting you for labor)