NEW ORLEANS – Beginning in July 2024, pediatric interns will begin ACGME-accredited residency training at Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans, with newborn nursery and neonatology rotations at Ochsner Baptist.
The pediatrics residency program will expand existing Ochsner’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. Currently, the health system sponsors 33 residency and fellowships, and trains approximately 330 physicians across multiple core and sub-specialty services each year.
“To meet the growing needs of our pediatric patients and to address the increasing shortage of pediatricians, we are excited to expand and advance our pediatrics residency program in the coming years,” said Dr. William Lennarz, Ochsner’s system chair of pediatrics, in a press release. “For decades, Ochsner Hospital for Children has provided high-quality care to thousands of kids in our region. This pediatrics residency program will allow us to train more exceptional physicians and care for more children locally and nationally.”
“Ochsner Hospital for Children has been named the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for three consecutive years,” said Dr. Vincent Adolph, chief medical officer, Ochsner Hospital for Children. “Our nationally recognized teams provide expert pediatric care for thousands of children every year. Ochsner Hospital for Children is committed to building the future of children’s care by training the next generation of pediatricians.”
Applications for the inaugural 2024 intern class have been received from 566 potential participants. Between November 2023 and January 2024, 150 interviews will be conducted for 10 intern positions available in year one. Pediatrics residency is a three-year training program, which means Ochsner will have a 30-resident program once at full complement.
“We are committed to training exceptional pediatricians and specialists through an innovative program that allows residents to care for patients with complex health needs and those with common health concerns,” said Dr. John Carlson, program director, pediatrics residency, Ochsner Hospital for Children. “Our approach to training will be truly innovative, ensuring comprehensive exposure to self-selected clinical material and specialized skills along with mentorship in the trainee’s chosen area of study.”
