Creating Flexibility in Pediatric Resident Education

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric residency programs must meet the challenge of producing graduates who are prepared to enter primary care, subspecialty fellowships or another career path. Meeting this challenge requires flexibility, which can be difficult to achieve. A program with 2 half days of continuity clinic that offers an option for residents to use 1 half day for advocacy or research projects may offer such flexibility. OBJECTIVE: To describe 1 residency program's experience with an alternative half-day continuity clinic program. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of resident participation, project types, scholarly products, and test scores associated with alternative half day program participation. RESULTS: Second-and third-year resident participation increased from 21% (7/33) in 2005 to 2006 to 41% (17/42) in 2008 to 2009. Forty-six residents undertook projects: 80% were research and 20% advocacy. The number of residents who presented abstracts at national meetings increased to 5 from a baseline of 4 per year. Four residents received advocacy grants. Three residents won national or regional research awards. The average score on the American Board of Pediatrics certifying examination was lower for residents in the alternative half day group, but pass rates remained high. All participants met the requirements for continuity clinic days and patient numbers. CONCLUSIONS: This unique 2 half day continuity clinic program not only enhances the education of residents entering primary care but also allows opportunities for residents anticipating careers in research or advocacy. This approach allows programmatic flexibility without creating a track system. Pediatrics 2011; 127:1088-1093