Experience Comprehensive Pediatric Training at Cooper University’s EM Residency
At Cooper, our Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) curriculum is designed to prepare residents for one of the most challenging aspects of residency training: caring for pediatric patients. Research shows that many EM residents and recent graduates nationwide feel underprepared to handle pediatric emergencies. However, at Cooper, our combination of experienced, dedicated faculty and a diverse pediatric patient population equips residents with the skills and confidence needed to manage critically ill pediatric patients and provide practical guidance to their families.
Our faculty brings a wealth of experience and leadership from across the country, with specialized expertise in EMS, ultrasound, and pediatric emergency care. As a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Cooper provides residents with frequent opportunities to participate in pediatric trauma resuscitations throughout their training.
Unique Year-Round Pediatric Exposure
A distinctive feature of our pediatric training is the continuous, year-round exposure to pediatric care. Our residents are assigned dedicated pediatric blocks and have shifts in the pediatric ED interspersed throughout the year. Additionally, residents cover the pediatric ED during overnight shifts in the adult ED. This longitudinal approach ensures that residents gain comprehensive pediatric experience across all seasons, rather than a limited, seasonal exposure.
Residents also rotate through the Pediatric ICU at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where they work alongside pediatric critical care physicians. This rotation provides invaluable experience with critical care pathology and essential procedures in a specialized setting.
For those interested in pursuing a Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship, integrating pediatrics into their practice, or gaining more in-depth pediatric experience, Cooper offers a dedicated Pediatric EM Scholarly Track. This track allows residents to work closely with PEM faculty and explore opportunities in research, administration, and other areas within pediatric emergency medicine.
What Sets Our Pediatric EM Curriculum Apart?
Our residents have highlighted several key features that make our pediatric EM curriculum exceptional:
- Low Attending-to-Resident Ratio: A low attending-to-resident ratio ensures residents receive personalized guidance and supervision, helping them exceed GME competency standards.
- Expert Pediatric EM Faculty: Our Pediatric Emergency Medicine faculty bring specialized training in pediatric ultrasound, EMS, and disaster response.
- Priority for Procedures: Residents are prioritized for a wide range of procedures, from laceration repairs to medical resuscitations, ensuring ample hands-on experience.
- Diverse Learning Opportunities: Many of our adult EM faculty also practice in pediatrics, providing insights into the differences in pathology presentation across various ages and developmental stages.
- Serving an Underserved Population: Many of our pediatric patients come from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds, often relying on Cooper ED as their primary connection to healthcare, social services, and health education.
Make a Lasting Impact While Advancing Your Skills
At Cooper, our Pediatric EM curriculum offers the resources, mentorship, and diverse patient interactions necessary to develop exceptional clinical skills. Beyond your education, the compassionate care you provide to our critically ill and underserved patients can make a profound, lasting difference in their lives.