Pediatrics Residency | Graduate Medical Education | Broward Health

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Welcome from the Program Director

Kristie Rivers, MD, FAAP

Welcome to the Pediatric Residency Program at Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Residency program provides the opportunity for residents to excel in a challenging academic environment, as part of a vibrant, tertiary care children’s hospital.

Our distinguished, dedicated faculty embraces above all, excellence in clinical care and superior clinical outcomes. A clinical environment based on child-and family-centered care provides the foundation for the educational experience.

The dynamic, competency-based curriculum balances protected didactic time with hands-on clinical training. Residents have the additional advantage of direct supervision and guidance by skilled on-site faculty, representing primary care pediatrics, hospital medicine and all pediatric subspecialties.

The clinical experience is further enhanced by an innovative learning environment, a diverse patient population, state-of-the-art equipment, an on-site simulation lab and extraordinary patient pathology. Collaboration between faculty and resident provides invaluable opportunities for mentorship and individualized professional development.

The program provides residents extensive exposure to primary care pediatrics, critically ill pediatric patients, comprehensive management of chronically ill patients, advocacy, research, and preventative medicine. Our graduates will be equipped to be health care leaders in this complex, evolving healthcare environment.

Kristie Rivers, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Residency Program Director
Assistant Medical Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program
Salah Foundation Children's Hospital, Broward Health

Director: Kristie Rivers, MD, FAAP

Coordinator: Victoria Ramos

Contact Us:
954-712-6891
[email protected]

About the Program

The Pediatric Residency Program at the children’s hospital provides an opportunity for residents to excel in a challenging academic environment as part of a vibrant tertiary care children’s hospital. Our distinguished and dedicated faculty embraces above all excellence in clinical care and superior outcomes. A clinical environment based on child- and family-centered care provides the foundation for the educational experience.

Our residency program fosters a strong and effective relationship between residents and faculty. Our 24-hour on-site attendings provide one-on-one teaching on the pediatric floor, NICU, PICU and pediatric emergency department, which is a valuable advantage of the program. Procedures are taught by experienced attendings and residents receive the first opportunity to perform them without interference from other learners. There is a strong balance between service and education supported by a diverse patient population and wide-ranging pathology.

Curriculum and Rotations

PGY-1 Rotations

Pediatric Inpatient Rotation

Residents are split between 2 teams (Orange and Blue) which are supervised by Board-Certified Pediatric Hospitalists. The teams are comprised of one senior resident, one junior resident, and medical students working as a team to provide well-rounded care to our community. As an intern, you spend 3 ½ bocks on the inpatient teams.

Selective Rotation

Elective rotations in the first year include Pediatric Surgery, ID, Allergy-Immunology, ENT, Neurology, Cardiology, Renal, GI, Endocrinology and Pulmonology. Each resident chooses 3 electives during their first year to further their knowledge of core pediatric specialties, which allows them to individualize their own curriculum.

Night Float Rotation

Night float rotation consists of two weeks blocks at which time the resident is responsible for the management of all the patients on the pediatric floor during 14-hour shifts. A pediatric hospitalist is in-house 24 hours a day for support but residents are given the autonomy to manage issues that arise overnight. They are also responsible for all the admissions throughout the night. Residents complete one two week block toward the end of intern year. This rotation allows each resident many opportunities for individual growth and autonomy.

Hematology/Oncology Rotation

Throughout the three years of residency our residents have ample exposure to hematology and oncology patients. Every resident completes 2 full months of hematology/oncology rotations, one during intern year. During this rotation, residents are exposed to a variety of hematological and oncological conditions including sickle cell disease, ITP, AML, ALL, osteosarcoma, Wilm’s tumor, neuroblastoma, and aplastic anemia to name a few. We are involved in the management of both new diagnosis and chronic management of these conditions. We are also provided multiple opportunities to perform procedures including lumbar punctures and bone marrow biopsies. We also have opportunities throughout all three years to be involved in admissions which allows continued exposure to the management of these patients even when not on the month long rotation.

Newborn Nursery Rotation

On our nursery rotation residents work alongside attendings in the management of common newborn conditions and general newborn care. Residents are responsible for new admissions, as well as, continued care of patients already seen. Residents are exposed to a diverse patient population with varying degrees of prenatal care.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Rotation

The pediatric emergency department is a level 1 trauma center with a 12-bed facility. We service the local Broward county and see a high-volume of pediatric patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Residents are expected to care for patients from time of triage to discharge. This is the opportune time for many procedures ranging from IV placements, laceration repairs, incision and drainage, to splinting.

Ambulatory Clinic Rotation

There are 4-affiliated outpatient pediatric clinics that residents are placed at during their first year. Residents are assigned patients throughout the year and are allowed to follow-up with them as they return for follow-up visits. Over 3-years you are able to follow many patients and help care for their growth and well-being. The clinics are staffed with board-certified pediatricians who provide didactics and mentorship.

Developmental Pediatrics Rotation

This rotation provides a multi-disciplinary view of many developmental conditions starting from diagnosis. The residents rotate in the Early Steps clinic which is an early intervention program offered by the Florida Department of Health. A solid foundation is formed regarding the steps taken to create an individualized family support plan for these patients. Additionally, residents rotate in a private outpatient development clinic.

Adolescent Medicine Rotation

On our adolescent rotation we get a high volume and see a wide variety of complex medical problems common to the adolescent age group. We spend much of our time working at Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center caring for a high-risk population with complex medical problems such as HIV, which is prevalent in our region. We also spend time at the Florida International University Student Health Center seeing everyday common illnesses within the adolescent population. Overall this rotation gives us a well-rounded experience with the adolescent population in our region and as a whole.

PGY-2 Rotations

Pediatric Inpatient Rotation

Residents are split between 2 teams (Orange and Blue) which are supervised by Board-Certified Pediatric Hospitalists. The teams are comprised of one senior resident, one junior resident, and medical students working as a team to provide well-rounded care to our community. Second years spend one block as a senior on the inpatient teams.

Hematology / Oncology Rotation

Throughout the three years of residency our residents have ample exposure to hematology and oncology patients. Every resident completes 2 full months of hematology/oncology rotations, one during second year. During this rotation, residents are exposed to a variety of hematological and oncological conditions including sickle cell disease, ITP, AML, ALL, osteosarcoma, Wilm’s tumor, neuroblastoma, and aplastic anemia to name a few. We are involved in the management of both new diagnosis and chronic management of these conditions. We are also provided multiple opportunities to perform procedures including lumbar punctures and bone marrow biopsies. We also have opportunities throughout all three years to be involved in admissions which allows continued exposure to the management of these patients even when not on the month long rotation.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Rotation

With the newly renovated Level 3 NICU, residents are able to gain experience with a variety of acute and progressive cases. The unit is comprised of an acute floor and progressive floor with a 24-hour attending physician and nurse practitioner team. Residents are responsible for management of the acute patient team, attending cesarean section deliveries, and are able to do a variety of procedures. Residents spend 1 block in the NICU during second year.

Night Float Rotation

Night float rotation consists of 2 weeks blocks at which time the resident is responsible for the management of all the patients on the pediatric floor during 14 hours shifts. A pediatric hospitalist is in-house 24 hours a day for support but residents are given the autonomy to manage issues that arise overnight. They are also responsible for all the admissions throughout the night. Residents complete three 2 week blocks during second year. This rotation allows each resident many opportunities for individual growth and autonomy.

Pediatric Emergency Room Rotation

The pediatric emergency department is a level 1 trauma center with a 12-bed facility. We service the local Broward county and see a high-volume of pediatric patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Residents are expected to care for patients from time of triage to discharge. This is the opportune time for many procedures ranging from IV placements, laceration repairs, incision and drainage, to splinting.

Ambulatory Clinic Rotation

There are 4-affiliated outpatient pediatric clinics that residents are placed at during their first year. Residents are assigned patients throughout the year and are allowed to follow-up with them as they return for follow-up visits. Over 3-years you are able to follow many patients and help care for their growth and well-being. The clinics are staffed with board-certified pediatricians who provide didactics and mentorship.

Pediatric ICU Rotation

Residents rotate through a 12-bed pediatric ICU when on this rotation. With Broward Health Medical Center being a level 1 trauma center, you care for critically ill patients with many medical and surgical complications. Residents are exposed to a variety of diagnoses and will learn the essentials of management for critically ill pediatric patients. There is a 24-hour attending physician. Every morning there are multidisciplinary rounds with pediatric pharmacists, social workers, nursing staff, and respiratory therapists. Residents also participate in the transportation teams. Residents spend 1 block in the PICU during second year.

Advocacy Rotation

In their second year, resident spend 2 weeks in the community learning about how to best advocate for their patients. Whether they are spending the day at a medical daycare or teaching in a local school, residents are able to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges our patient population faces each day.

Selective Rotations

Elective rotations the second year include ID, Neurology, Cardiology, Renal, GI, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Ortho/Sports Medicine, Lactation, Concierge Medicine, ENT, Allergy-Immunology, Anesthesia, Radiology and Dermatology. Each resident chooses 5 electives in order to provide a well rounded, individualized curriculum.

PGY-3 Rotations

Pediatric Inpatient Rotation

Residents are split between 2 teams (Orange and Blue) which are supervised by Board-Certified Pediatric Hospitalists. The teams are comprised of one senior resident, one junior resident, and medical students working as a team to provide well-rounded care to our community. Third year residents spend 2 blocks as team seniors.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Rotation

With the newly renovated Level 3 NICU, residents are able to gain experience with a variety of acute and progressive cases. The unit is comprised of an acute floor and progressive floor with a 24-hour attending physician and nurse practitioner team. Residents are responsible for management of the acute patient team, attending cesarean section deliveries, and are able to do a variety of procedures. Residents spend 1 block in the NICU during third year.

Pediatric ICU

Residents rotate through a 12-bed pediatric ICU when on this rotation. With Broward Health Medical Center being a level 1 trauma center, you care for critically ill patients with many medical and surgical complications. Residents are exposed to a variety of diagnoses and will learn the essentials of management for critically ill pediatric patients. There is a 24-hour attending physician. Every morning there are multidisciplinary rounds with pediatric pharmacists, social workers, nursing staff, and respiratory therapists. Residents also participate in the transportation teams. Residents spend 1 block in the PICU during third year.

Newborn Nursery Rotation

On our nursery rotation residents work alongside attendings in the management of common newborn conditions and general newborn care. Residents are responsible for new admissions, as well as, continued care of patients already seen. Residents are exposed to a diverse patient population with varying degrees of prenatal care.

Ambulatory Clinic Rotation

There are 4-affiliated outpatient pediatric clinics that residents are placed at during their first year. Residents are assigned patients throughout the year and are allowed to follow-up with them as they return for follow-up visits. Over 3-years you are able to follow many patients and help care for their growth and well-being. The clinics are staffed with board-certified pediatricians who provide didactics and mentorship. Residents spend 2 blocks in ambulatory clinic during third year.

Pediatric Emergency Room Rotation

The pediatric emergency department is a level 1 trauma center with a 12-bed facility. We service the local Broward county and see a high-volume of pediatric patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Residents are expected to care for patients from time of triage to discharge. This is the opportune time for many procedures ranging from IV placements, laceration repairs, incision and drainage, to splinting.

Elective Rotations

In their third year, residents are able to choose from a variety of elective experiences, including but not limited to ortho, allergy/immunology, dermatology. psychiatry, urology, ENT, research, pathology, lactation, concierge medicine, private practice, outpatient hematology-oncology, hospitalist medicine, anesthesia, procedures, and gynecology. Residents can also choose any remaining electives in which they are interested. Third year residents have 4 blocks of electives.

Residents also have the opportunity to choose a Board Study elective at the end of their third year to prepare for the ABP boards.

Mental Health Rotation

Third year residents spend one block rotating through various settings, both inpatient and outpatient, to allow them a robust mental health education. They work with pediatric psychiatrists and psychologists in multidisciplinary clinics, consult services, and inpatient units.

Meet Our Faculty and Residents

Our Pediatrics Residency program brings together experienced faculty and dedicated residents, united by a commitment to excellence. Through comprehensive training, clinical collaboration and personalized mentorship, we prepare future pediatricians to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care.

Program Faculty Current Residents