Residents have the opportunity during their time at Vanderbilt to participate in our Academic Community curriculum, which works to develop leaders in pediatrics through collaborative clinical experiences, mentorship, and scholarship.

Each academic community consists of a faculty lead, resident co-leaders, faculty mentors, fellows, and residents, with future plans to include medical students and other healthcare professionals. The community curriculum will instruct residents in the foundational skills of each discipline as well as guide residents as they complete their own independent scholarly project.

Residents join in their PGY-1 year after a several month exploration period. Their time in the community will culminate in presentation of their project at the Department of Pediatrics Research Retreat during their PGY-3 year. Many of these projects will also be accepted for presentation at other local and national meetings.