Resident Life

Welcome to Residency

Just like life itself, residency poses unique challenges. You can't become an outstanding pediatrician if you are training in an environment that doesn't recognize and prioritize the importance of emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial health. Whether it's becoming your second family, destigmatizing mental health support and treatment, or addressing through psychoeducational testing what might be standing in the way of you becoming a strong test-taker, we provide the safe space and resources necessary for you to thrive personally and professionally.

Orientation

Orientation is held 4-5 days prior to the start of residency and is led by the program leaders and chief residents. It serves as an introduction to the hospital, university, residency program, electronic medical record, and personal support system. Certification for Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) is completed at this time. Orientation also gives the incoming interns a chance to get to know each other as well as residents in other classes.

Retreats

An intern retreat is held for the interns each fall, to provide an opportunity to focus on team building, education, and fun. Historically this is a

day and a half, off site experience.

The second and third year residents also plan class retreats towards the end of the academic year, in the spring or summer.

Mentorship

Each incoming resident is assigned a PGY-2 peer mentor to provide additional support during the transition into residency. Together with the PGY-2's mentor (now PGY-3), these groups form small families within the residency.

Semi-Annual Meeting

Residents regularly meet one-on-one with the program director to review self-evaluation, performance, and goals. The program director works with each resident and their coach
in personalizing the residency experience to meet each resident's personal and professional goals.

Pediatrics Resident Council

The Program Evaluation Committee serves as a catalyst to affect positive changes within the residency program. Committee members are peer-selected residents. They receive input from their peers and meet on a monthly basis to brainstorm ways to make resident life more educational and enjoyable. The committee holds regular meetings with the program director to discuss these ideas.

Wellness and Admin Time

At OU Peds, we strive to ensure our residents have the ability to grow into the best physician they can become. This includes supporting residents through everything from weddings, babies, family emergencies, personal mental health, and anything in between.

Residents have pre-scheduled admin time every Y-week. This is dedicated time to catch up on life, appointments, sleep, or whatever they may need. Residents also have the option to use some of their half-day IC times for wellness that they can fill however they choose.

Caucus

The residents meet with the chief residents every 4-6 weeks during noon conference to discuss current events and changes within the program and the hospital. Caucus also serves as a forum for residents to voice ideas, concerns, and announcements.

Regional/National Conferences

Residents frequently present their scholarly works at regional and national meetings, including the Southern Regional Meeting, the AAP National Conference, Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, and various national Pediatric Specialty Meetings. The program covers all associated costs.

Social Gatherings

There are many events held during the year, including a formal end of the year banquet. Residents frequently meet outside work and there is a true atmosphere of friendship among the residents. We also have a 2 engagement chairs each year who organize social

events for all classes, such as attending professional sports games!