Pediatric residents on the Harriet Lane Service learn by caring for patients under the supervision of experienced pediatrician faculty, through attendance at conferences, and through targeted opportunities, such as resuscitation scenarios in the Johns Hopkins Simulation Center and a day-long seminar focused on death and bereavement. Core subspecialty rotations are a part of the required rotation curriculum, so elective time is available for career development experiences, including international electives, community pediatric office electives and rotations in other departments. Each resident meets with his or her faculty advisor at least twice each year to review evaluations from faculty, peers, nurses and patient families, as well as to discuss career planning. Residents, along with their advisor, create an individualized learning plan that is updated annually. 

Each year of training is designed to meet specific training goals.

PGY-1 Year

The PGY-1 year has a focus on mastering clinical skills, including obtaining a history, performing a physical exam, synthesizing clinical information, developing a differential diagnosis and providing input into a treatment plan. Interns are the primary providers for patients. They actively contribute to the treatment plan through their medical knowledge and advocacy for patients and families. Interns are paired with PGY-3 residents during most rotations. This partnership provides interns the support, supervision and direct educational opportunities that maximize their learning and success. In all the rotations, interns also work closely with fellows, attendings and members of other disciplines who value their interactions with residents.

PGY-2 Year

The focus of this year is on growing independence while working directly with fellows and faculty. PGY-2s gain confidence and competence in their clinical judgment and autonomy in decision making. During most rotations resident teams include two PGY-2 residents.

PGY-3 Year

The focus of this year is on further development of clinical, teaching and leadership skills. PGY-3 residents have primary responsibility for leading family-centered rounds on the general pediatrics teams. They have responsibility for guiding the interns, subinterns, and medical students on their teams. While maintaining a close relationship with the ward attending for guidance, they are actively involved with decision making concerning patient care.