Transition to Pediatric Practice: A Residency Elective Experience to Prepare Senior Pediatric Residents for General Pediatric Primary Care

INTRODUCTION: Transition to practice (TTP), while impactful in other specialties, has been minimally studied and rarely offered in pediatric training residency programs. This pediatric TTP elective is designed to provide a glimpse into the world of a primary care pediatrician to residents who are interested in pursuing a career in primary care. METHODS: During this elective residents hone their outpatient diagnostic skills by participating in a variety of clinical patient encounters; this is supplemented with selectives, learner-chosen supplemental educational activities that aim to help fulfill a resident's self-identified learning goals. This TTP experience was developed for third-year pediatric residents who are planning on entering primary care. The course is organized and facilitated by a general pediatric faculty member with an administrative assistant. RESULTS: This TTP elective was evaluated highly by pediatric residents; the overall score of its effectiveness, rated by residents who participated in the elective, was 4.5–5.0 out of 5.0. Following completion of this TTP elective, residents demonstrated an overall improvement in outpatient procedural opportunities and self-reported competence for routine outpatient procedures. In addition, residents demonstrated an overall improvement in office-visit billing practices. DISCUSSION: The 4-week rotation format maximizes the number of general pediatric outpatient clinical experiences and individualized learning selectives.