Pediatrics Residency Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission

Our mission is to develop pediatricians who strive for clinical and academic excellence, are grounded in a strong professional identity, and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Through comprehensive clinical training, mentorship, scholarship, and service, we prepare physicians to provide exceptional care for children and families while pursuing lifelong learning, leadership, and professional growth. 

Overview of the Program

The University of South Alabama Pediatric Residency Program combines the resources of an academic medical center with the supportive culture and individualized mentorship of a medium-sized training program. We are committed to preparing residents for successful careers in general pediatrics, pediatric subspecialties, academic medicine, advocacy, and community leadership.

Located at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital, the region's only freestanding hospital dedicated to the care of women and children, residents care for a diverse patient population and gain experience across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine.

One of the defining strengths of our program is the close relationship between residents and faculty. Our faculty maintain an open-door culture that promotes collaboration, mentorship, professional growth, and resident well-being. Because there are no pediatric fellowships at our institution, residents work directly with attending physicians and benefit from progressive autonomy and meaningful hands-on experience throughout training.

Our program offers 12 categorical pediatric residency positions annually, along with 2-3 combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics positions per class. This creates a close-knit learning community that fosters camaraderie while providing a diverse range of experiences, perspectives, and career goals.

Graduates pursue a wide variety of career paths. Over the past decade, approximately 45% have entered general pediatric practice and 55% have pursued fellowship training in pediatric subspecialties. 

Curriculum and Learning Environment 

Our curriculum is designed to develop clinically excellent pediatricians through progressive responsibility, hands-on learning, direct faculty mentorship, and meaningful patient care experiences. Residents learn in a collaborative environment that promotes curiosity, professionalism, self-reflection, and lifelong learning.

The residency utilizes a modified X+Y scheduling model that balances immersive inpatient training with dedicated ambulatory, subspecialty and elective experiences. Residents alternate between inpatient rotations and outpatient-focused experiences, allowing them to fully engage in each learning environment while maintaining continuity in outpatient education and patient care.

The curriculum provides comprehensive training across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, including inpatient pediatrics, newborn medicine, critical care, emergency medicine, subspecialty pediatrics, ambulatory pediatrics, advocacy, scholarship, and community engagement.

A notable feature of our program is the absence of routinely scheduled 24-hour call shifts, allowing residents to focus on patient care, education, and wellness while maintaining a rigorous clinical training experience.

As the primary teaching site for the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, residents work closely with medical students throughout training. These experiences provide opportunities to develop teaching, mentorship, and leadership skills while reinforcing clinical knowledge and fostering professional growth.  

Example Rotation Structure 

The block schedule below illustrates a representative residency experience. Our program utilizes a modified X+Y scheduling model, in which residents typically complete four weeks of inpatient, newborn, or emergency medicine rotations (X) followed by dedicated outpatient, subspecialty, elective, and individualized learning experiences (Y). Longitudinal ambulatory experiences occur every eight weeks, promoting continuity in primary care and ongoing relationships with patients and families.

Elective experiences provide residents with the flexibility to explore individual interests, pursue career goals, and gain additional exposure in areas that support future practice plans, whether in general pediatrics, subspecialty training, academic medicine, advocacy, or other professional pathways.

Specific rotations and scheduling may vary based on educational needs, elective choices, and individualized learning opportunities. 

Block	PGY-1	PGY-2	PGY-3
1	Wards	PICU	Wards
2	DBP	Adolescent Medicine	Community Gen Peds
3	Neonatology	Wards	PICU
4	Acute Care Gen Peds	ChWardsronic Care Gen Peds	Subspecialty/Elective
5	Wards	Neonatology	Wards
6	Vacation	Vacation	Vacation
7	Newborn Nursery	PICU Nights	Subspecialty/Elective
8	Subspecialty/Elective	Subspecialty/Elective	Subspecialty/Elective
9	Wards Nights	Wards Nights	Wards
10	Subspecialty/Elective	Subspecialty/Elective	Subspecialty/Elective
11	Wards	Subspecialty/Elective	Mental Health
12	Subspecialty/Elective	Elective	Subspecialty/Elective
13	Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine

DBP – Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics; PICU – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit 

Longitudinal Ambulatory Experience 

Throughout residency, residents participate in longitudinal ambulatory experiences that focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, developmental pediatrics, behavioral health, and patient- and family-centered communication. These experiences also incorporate community engagement, advocacy, and population health initiatives through partnerships across the Gulf Coast region, helping residents better understand the communities they serve and the factors that influence child health. 

Conferences and Board Preparation 

Education extends well beyond clinical rotations. Residents participate in protected educational conferences designed to support both clinical excellence and board preparation. 

Educational activities include: 

• Case-based discussions
• Board review
• Journal club
• Subspecialty conferences
• Quality improvement education
• Professional development and wellness sessions 

Residents are provided with board preparation resources, clinical reference materials, and point-of-care tools that support patient care, self-directed learning, and preparation for the American Board of Pediatrics certifying examination. 

Simulation, Procedures, and Point-of-Care Ultrasound 

Simulation is a cornerstone of our curriculum. Residents train in a modern simulation center that provides opportunities to develop clinical reasoning, communication skills, teamwork, and procedural competence in a safe, supportive learning environment. 

Educational experiences include: 

• Weekly simulation sessions incorporating pediatric emergency scenarios, resuscitation training, difficult conversations, family-centered care, and standardized patient encounters
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) designed to strengthen clinical reasoning and communication skills
• A comprehensive Intern Bootcamp that introduces new residents to core clinical, procedural, and communication skills as they transition into residency 

Procedural training is integrated throughout residency and allows residents to develop confidence and competence in a wide range of pediatric procedures, including: 

• Lumbar puncture
• Incision and drainage
• Foreign body removal
• Laceration repair
• Peripheral vascular access
• UAC/UVC placement
• Nasogastric tube placement and management
• Foley catheter placement
• Airway devices and tracheostomy care
• Splinting and joint reduction
• Immunization and injection techniques 

Residents also gain exposure to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) through a growing curriculum that introduces the principles and clinical applications of bedside ultrasound in pediatric practice. 

Advocacy and Community Engagement 

Advocacy and community engagement are integrated throughout residency training and reflect our commitment to improving child health beyond the hospital setting.

Through longitudinal ambulatory experiences and community partnerships, residents engage with organizations and programs focused on child health, health equity, advocacy, and population health. These experiences provide opportunities to better understand the social, environmental, and systemic factors that influence the health of children and families. Examples of community engagement experiences may include: 

• Special Olympics
• School-based initiatives
• Summer medical camps
• Fetal and Infant Mortality Review activities
• American Academy of Pediatrics Legislative Day 

Through these experiences, residents develop practical advocacy skills and learn to partner with community organizations to improve child health both within and beyond the healthcare setting.

Scholarship and Professional Development 

Scholarly activity is an integral component of residency training. Residents design, conduct, and present scholarly projects aligned with their individual interests, including clinical research, quality improvement, medical education, advocacy, and community health.

Faculty mentorship develops naturally through shared interests and collaborative projects. Residents gain experience in project development, study design, data analysis, presentation, and dissemination of scholarly work.

Resident scholarship is showcased annually at the Department of Pediatrics Research Day, with many residents also presenting their work at institutional, regional, and national meetings.

Throughout residency, residents also develop as educators and leaders. Through progressive responsibility, mentorship, scholarly activity, and the teaching of medical students, trainees build the skills needed to lead healthcare teams, advance pediatric practice, and serve their communities. This combination of structured educational experiences and individualized support prepares graduates for successful careers in pediatric practice, fellowship training, academic medicine, and community leadership. 

Building Resident Resilience and Wellness

At USA Peds, we are aware that residency will prove demanding even to those with advanced stress management skills. We provide many activities which foster resident wellness both inside and outside of the hospital.

Resident Activities

Wellness Retreats 

All wellness retreats include Medicine/Pediatric residents to promote team-building. 

Residents are relieved of clinical duties to spend a day with one another at various locations in Mobile for a wellness retreat. Retreats include time for group discussion, outdoor exploration and team-building games. 

Wellness Conferences 

These conferences are planned throughout the year. Conferences consist of rock painting, yoga and shredding your stress. 

The Wave Wellness Room

This room offers resources that are beneficial and offer tools for our residents to practice ongoing self-care and coping skills. Resources vary such as aromatherapy, calming music, dim lights, fidget tools and more. 

Fitness 

The JagFIT gym, a new gym with both cardio and weight equipment/machines, is open 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Located near the residency office, staff and physicians are encouraged to utilize the gym for fitness and stress management. 

For other well-being references please visit the GME Website.

 

Adolescent Medicine

• McGaw Medical 

Cardiology

• The Children’s at Montefiore
• Children’s Hospital of New Orleans 
• University of Miami
• Johns Hopkins University  

Critical Care

• University of Buffalo
• University of Maryland Medical Center

Developmental- Behavior

• Case Western Reserve University/ Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital 

Endocrinology

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 
• Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center    
• University of Florida in Gainesville 
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Texas Children’s Hospital
• Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles  

Emergency Medicine

• Kentucky Children’s Hospital
• University of Florida in Gainesville 
• University of Nevada
• Children’s Hospital of Michigan 

Gastroenterology

• Children’s Mercy Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital 
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital 
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Texas Children’s Hospital 
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital 

Genetics

• National Institute of Health

Hematology- Oncology

• Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital 
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering
• New York University Langone Health
• Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH)

Infectious Disease

• Children’s National Hospital
• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
• Children’s Hospital Colorado 

Neonatology

• Cleveland Clinic
• East Carolina University 
• Loma Linda University
• University of Iowa                                           
• UT Health Science Center Children’s Memorial
  Hermann Hospital
• UT Southwestern Medical Center 

Nephrology

• Stanford Children’s Hospital

Neurology

• UT Southwestern Medical Center 

Pulmonology

• UC Irvine 

Rheumatology

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital 

Sports Medicine

• Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital  

According to the University of South Alabama Department of Pediatrics, the following fee structure applies to requests for postgraduate training verification:

• $100.00- Verification of training dates and/or program completion provided on our form, to be used for credentialing purposes only and issued in response to a request by a hospital or other agency with a valid authorization for release of information.  
• $200.00- Verification of training dates and program specifics on training including procedures and narratives on resident performance provided on institution or agency’s form with a valid authorization for release of information. 
• $25.00 Should notary be required on form.  

Additional Fees (Email or Fax- No Fee)

• Overnight FedEx Shipping $40.00 (NO P.O BOX) 
• Standard FedEx Shipping $15.00 (NO P.O BOX) 

Payment by check made Payable to:  

South Alabama Medical Science Foundation (SAMSF) 

Checks are to be mailed to:  

University of South Alabama Department of Pediatrics  

ATTN: Pediatric Residency Program Coordinator  

Nicole Adair  

1700 Center Street – CWEB Room #1536 

Mobile, AL 36604.  

Requests submitted without payment will not be processed. Requests are to be specific and must be accompanied by an authorization for release form. If you have questions you may contact the Pediatric Education office at (251) 415-1087 or email Nicole Adair at nadair@health.southalabama.edu. 

We encourage you to apply and interview with us.  

Children's & Women's Hospital has the area's only Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), admitting more than 1,000 infants a year to its 98-bed facility. Our Pediatric Emergency Department is also a Level III facility. As the hospital is the top provider for children in the area, pediatric patients are transferred up to 100 miles to receive care by our hospitalists, intensivists, hematologists-oncologists, and a variety of subspecialists. 

Please view our enthusiastic healthcare community at the following sites:
USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital Facebook
USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital Instagram

Follow @USA_Pediatric_Residency on Instagram for content curated by our Pediatric Chief Residents. 

How to Apply

We accept applications only via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) from the Association of American Medical Colleges, and all positions are offered through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

At least three letters of recommendation are required; however, a letter from your pediatric department chair is not required. All applications received through ERAS are reviewed by the program director. 

Applicants who are selected for interview will be invited through ERAS via email. Our residency program coordinator will send your itinerary and detailed instructions about your interview day. Please email pedsresidency@health.southalabama.edu if you experience any scheduling issues.

We interview applicants virtually during an AM or PM session. Applicants may select their desired session at the time of scheduling an interview.  We look forward to getting to know you, introducing ourselves to you, and showing you the excellent training we offer. 

There are no minimum cut-off scores for USMLE. For international graduates, graduating within the last three to five years is desired, and You must have a valid ECFMG certificate. We do not require U.S. experience. We sponsor J-1 visas only. 

For our program, a complete ERAS application includes the following: 

• MSPE (Dean’s Letter) 
• Medical School transcript 
• 3 letters of recommendation (with at least 1 from a pediatrician) 
• USMLE or COMLEX scores 
• Personal statement

Prior to beginning training, applicants must also:  

• Provide passing Step 1 and Step 2 (CK) USMLE or Level 1 and Level 2 COMLEX scores 
• ECFMG Certificate (if applicable) 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply to your program?

You must apply through ERAS.

Do you participate in the National Residency Matching Program?

Yes.

Is there a cut off from the date of graduation?

Yes, you should be within five years of graduation from medical school. 

Is there an application deadline?

Yes, all applications must be received by the program by December 12th. 

How many residents do you match each year?

We are currently approved for twelve categorical spots per year.  

Do you accept COMLEX and USMLE scores? 

Yes, we accept both COMLEX and USMLE scores. 

What about Step 1 and 2?

There are no minimum cut-off scores for USMLE, we do take into consideration any failed attempt. 

What does a typical application consist of for those who are invited to interview?

With your USMLE scores, letters of recommendation have the most weight upon the selection process and should include at least one from a general pediatrician. A letter from your pediatric department chair is not required. Honors in the pediatric clerkship, and a strong personal statement are also strongly considered. All applications received through ERAS are reviewed by the program director.

Do you offer observerships?

Our department does not process observerships. 

International Medical Graduates

Do you take International Medical Graduates into your program?

Yes, we do.

Do I have to be ECFMG certified?

Yes, you must be ECFMG certified.

Do you sponsor or accept any visas?

Yes, we sponsor J1 visas. All applicants who match with us are responsible for all visa fees. All matched applicants must obtain a valid visa prior to intern orientation (approx. last week of June yearly). We encourage J1 visas for eligible matched applicants. We refer matched interns to the ECFMG website regarding all the necessary paperwork.

Do you sponsor H1-b visas?

No, we only sponsor J1 visas.

Does your institution accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

Yes, we do.

Is U.S. clinical experience required?

We do not require U.S. clinical experience to apply to our program. 

USA Pediatric NRMP Program Number

Categorical Pediatric Residency: 1852320C0

For more information, please contact our residency program coordinator at pedsresidency@health.southalabama.edu.

Department of Pediatrics Residency Program
University of South Alabama
1700 Center Street
Mobile, AL 36604
Phone: (251) 415-1087
Email: pedsresidency@health.southalabama.edu

Faxes should not be used to send patient records. 

Instagram: @usa_pediatric_residency