Third Year, PL-3

Senior resident teaching on overnights

The seniors are the main leaders and teachers for the residents of the BCRP. The General Pediatrics supervisory experiences are highly valued by seniors, allowing them to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous two years, while taking an active role in promoting the development of interns and medical students.

Individualized curriculum: Seniors are also provided time to focus on individual and career interests through the individualized curriculum which consists of 12 weeks time on the Academic Development Block and 8-12 additional weeks of elective time. The Academic Development Block is a unique opportunity for senior residents to spend a sustained amount of time focusing on research, education, policy or advocacy projects that fit their clinical interests and future career goals. Our residents have used this time in an incredible variety of ways!

Chief residents answer phones from inpatient teams during protected learning time every weekday

Team leadership and education: Senior residents supervise on the General Pediatric/combined subspecialty services at BCH, the Intermediate Care Program at BCH and on the Pediatric Ward at BMC. Categorical track residents generally spend more of their supervisory time at Boston Children’s Hospital, while most Leadership in Equity and Advocacy (LEAD) track residents spend more time at Boston Medical Center. However, individual preferences for supervisory experiences are considered whenever possible.

Mental Health Rotation: Senior residents have a two week call-free rotation in which they gain exposure to the management of mental health problems from the ambulatory setting to the acute setting, with opportunities to learn from community partners and mental health subspecialists.

Call-free time: All senior residents have approximately 6 weeks of call-free time during the year.

PL-3 Rotation Schedule

Service Weeks Night/Weekend Call
Inpatient Supervisory Experience – Days 
(BCH Gen Peds, 7Subs, 9subs, BMC Wards)
2-3 BCH Gen Peds/BMC Ward: 3 weekend days per 3 weeks (work one full weekend + one additional weekend day, one golden weekend off)
Subs: 1 weekend on/1 weekend off OR 2 gray weekends (1 day off, 1 day on)
Admit 1 No weekend call
Inpatient Supervisory Experience – Nights
(BCH Gen Peds, 7Subs, 9subs, BMC Wards)
2 Night Float – 5 nights on, 2 nights off per week
Critical Care
(BCH MICU, BMC PICU)
2-4 One week days, one week nights
Electives/Individualized Learning Time 12 6 weeks call-free, 6 weeks cross coverage (predominantly weekend call)
Emergency Medicine 4-6 Day and evening shifts
Stem Cell Transplantation Unit 2 Day shifts 6 days/week
Academic Development Block (ADB) 12 Weekend call (working 2 of every 3 weekends)
Mental Health 2 No night/weekend call
Sick Call/Back Up aka “Flex” 2-4 Can include days/nights/weekends
Vacations Two 2-week breaks
Longitudinal Amb Experience 1 afternoon/week on average