Each year beginning in the fall for several months, young hopeful physicians in suits will be seen escorted around the hospital on tours. These medical students are part of the nearly 1,500 applicants who have applied for the largest pediatric residency program in the United States, right here at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. The residency hopefuls are competing for just 34 spots within the Department of Pediatrics.
“Our program used to mainly attract students regionally, but that has really changed over the last several years,” said Chief Resident Kim Lehecka who spends a good part of her time each week with these soon to be first-year residents. “We are interviewing medical students from all over the country and around the world.”
The majority of these students are hoping for a spot in the categorical pediatric residency program which includes three years here at Texas Children’s, with rotations at Ben Taub and the Harris Health System sites. An additional 289 applicants have applied for the five spots in the pediatric global health program that adds an extra year to their training, which is spent at one of Texas Children’s’ global sites. Those with an interest in becoming physician-scientists are vying for the three spots which will be chosen from 132 applicants this year. Several other specialized programs are offered including the neuro developmental and disabilities residency, pediatrics-genetics combined residency, internal medicine in pediatrics program as well as other combined programs.
“As a chief resident, I get the privilege of being a part of these future residents’ first introduction to the hospital,” Lehecka said. “I love our residents and I love our program. I want to give back to the program because I have benefitted so much from it myself.”
Lehecka is part of a team of four women who currently serve as chief residents. These top-tier residents are hand-picked by Dr. Mark W. Kline and Dr. Mark Ward and spend an extra year as leaders of the residency program. They stand out amongst their peers and among their duties is to be a part of the decision-making process in picking the new batch of residents.
“I want these residents to know even though we’re the biggest program in the country, it’s always been a family here,” Lehecka said. “The faculty members want to mentor and be involved in your education and career development so you always feel supported.”
As part of the Texas Children’s family, these residents learn to embody the culture of the program that’s given them their first real taste of medicine.
“Residency is like being in the trenches together. You go through hardships, tough times and stressful situations, but you’re always learning and growing and that forges strong friendships,” Lehecka said.