Conferences
Intern OrientationĚý
Orientation will take place two weeks prior to the start of the intern year. During this period, interns will be introduced to the hospital and clinic systems, complete PALS and BLS training, and participate in a pediatric bootcamp at the simulation center on the medical school campus. Interns will also have an opportunity to tour the facilities, receive an introduction to the inpatient service, and meet with ambulatory faculty during scheduled lunches. Additional events are planned throughout the two‑week orientation period including a welcome event. The full orientation schedule will be distributed in May.
Academic Half Days
Academic Half Days are held every Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and follow a structured curriculum designed to strengthen residents’ medical knowledge and clinical skills. Faculty provide focused instruction on pediatric topics essential for clinical practice and board preparation. Sessions incorporate a variety of formats, including lectures, workshops, small group discussions, and simulation.
Simulated Patient Learning
Simulation days occur monthly during the Academic Half Day at the University of Toledo Lloyd A. Jacobs Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center. These sessions offer residents hands‑on practice with essential procedures such as intravenous catheter placement, lumbar puncture, nasogastric tube placement, intubation, and splinting. Residents also take part in OSCEs and scenario‑based simulations that strengthen communication, teamwork, and clinical decision‑making in a supportive, skill‑building environment with members of the multi-disciplinary team.
Annual RetreatĚý
Two retreats are held each year during an Academic Half Day, one in the fall and one in the spring. Both are organized by the resident-led Wellness Committee. The retreats begin with an educational session, typically focused on physician wellness and life skills, followed by team building activities. Past activities have included miniature golf, laser tag, rock climbing, bowling, and arcade games.
Resident Education Conferences
Residents participate in a structured series of educational conferences held every Friday from 7:30–8:30 am. These include Interesting Cases, Journal Club, Radiology Conference, and Morbidity and Mortality (M&M), each scheduled on a recurring monthly cycle. Descriptions of all conferences are provided below.
In addition to Friday sessions, Grand Rounds take place the first Wednesday of the month from 7:30–8:30 am, offering residents exposure to expert speakers and current issues in pediatrics. Residents also engage in board review sessions every other Wednesday morning, held during the same 7:30-8:30 a.m. time block.
Interesting Cases
Taking place on the first Friday of each month, the Interesting Cases conference showcases presentations by three residents who review unique, challenging, or educational cases from their clinical rotations. Each session highlights clinical reasoning, management considerations, and key takeaways that enhance shared learning and strengthen residents’ diagnostic skills.
Journal Club
Held on the second Friday of each month, Journal Club is led by a second‑year resident who selects a current peer‑reviewed article for critical evaluation. The discussion emphasizes study design, statistical rigor, and clinical applicability, encouraging residents to thoughtfully interpret new research and incorporate evidence into practice.
Radiology Conference
On the third Friday of each month, a pediatric radiologist guides pediatric and radiology residents through a series of engaging imaging cases. The conference focuses on image interpretation frameworks, diagnostic pitfalls, and radiologic–clinical correlation, supporting residents in developing confidence and competency in utilizing imaging to inform patient care.
M&M and Ethics Conference
Held on the fourth Friday of each month, this conference is facilitated by a third‑year resident and centers on a structured analysis of an adverse event. The discussion highlights system factors, patient‑safety frameworks, and ethical issues, with the goal of fostering reflective practice and supporting continuous system‑level improvement.