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 connect with their classmates while exploring Oklahoma City through shared activities and fun!

Historically this is a day and a half, off site experience.

The second and third year residents also plan class retreats in the second half of the academic year.

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.

Additionally, we have a dedicated IMG mentorship program ensuring the transition into the US medical system is as seamless as possible.

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 personal and professional goals.

Pediatrics Resident Council

The committee serves as a catalyst to affect positive change within the residency program. Peer-selected resident committee members meets on a regular basis to brainstorm ways to make resident life more educational and enjoyable. The committee holds quarterly meetings with program leadership to discuss 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 weddings, babies, family emergencies, personal mental health, and everything 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.

Social Gatherings

There are many events held during the year, including a formal End of Year banquet. Residents frequently meet outside work, and there is a true atmosphere of friendship among the program. We also have a group of social chairs who organize events for all classes; we have loved pickleball outings, attending pro sports games, and zoo trips!