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Resident Reflections
As you consider the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville for your pediatric residency training, please read what our alumni had to say as they looked back on their experience with us:
Fiona Wertheimer, D.O., Chief Resident/Post Doctoral Associate 2008-2009; Neonatology Fellow, University of Southern California
"I was initially attracted to the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville Pediatric Residency Program because of its medium size, its location close to miles of beautiful beaches, and the affordable cost of living. When I rotated here as a medical student, I was immediately impressed with the didactics and the many opportunities offered at its affiliated hospitals and clinics. While as a resident my training gave me a strong foundation in general pediatrics. The exposure to community pediatrics, diverse patient populations, and busy inpatient wards is outstanding. Additionally, the camaraderie among the residents is fostered by high professionalism standards and true respect among the group. My residency class became my family away from home. The support of and interest in each resident by the Chair, Program Director, and every faculty member fosters an environment that facilitates personal and professional growth. I am proud to serve as one of the Chief Residents during this academic year and I know that my training has prepared me for my future subspecialty training in Neonatology."
Chika Ugorji, M.D., Chief Resident/Post Doctoral Associate 2008-2009; Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville
"I believe that there is a pediatric residency program for everyone and University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville was for me. These are the things that I looked for in my search for the right residency program - the happiness and satisfaction of the residents; the number of hospital sites the residents rotated through; the program location; the cost of living in the area and the amount of elective time provided. The happy, friendly and inviting nature of the residents I met when I interviewed in Jacksonville caused this program to stand out for me. The close proximity between the two major hospitals in which we rotate through- Shands and Wolfson- is excellent for easy commuting between them. The cost of living in Jacksonville on a resident’s salary is more than comfortable. With the amount of elective time and variety of electives available, I was able to design my own unique residency experience. The attendings are approachable and willing to teach. The camaraderie between residents is unparalleled. In my three years, I have developed relationships and friendships that will last my lifetime. Staying on for an additional year as a chief resident is an honor. It is my opportunity to educate, counsel, advocate for and guide the current and future residents which is what a pediatrician does every day with his or her patients and their parents."
Carla Laos, M.D., Class of 2008; Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Baylor University
"Having landed in my first choice for a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship, I knew before fellowship even began that I received a strong residency training experience.
Now that I am two months into fellowship, I can see exactly how and why the training that I received through the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville Pediatrics program was absolutely phenomenal.
It takes going outside your own program to see what other 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year residents are doing in residency. And well, there is no comparison! We (residents from UFCOMJ) are definitely taught more than just medical knowledge. We are taught how to manage our patients, how to work within a team setting, and more importantly, when to ask for help.
In asking for feedback from my new Peds EM attendings early on, I have been told that I am ahead of most first year fellows in the way that I think and manage my patients. To me, my residency gets most, if not all, of the credit for that.
To the incoming interns, take advantage of every experience, and approach your training with a great attitude! As a UF attending once told me - our career choice gives us the honor of taking care of people's most prized possessions - their children. Work hard to honor the field you have chosen, and have fun along the way!"
Michelle Schweiger D.O., Class of 2005; Pediatric Endocrinology Fellow, University of Colorado
"The dichotomy in patient population and variety of cases that we saw from working at both Shands Hospital and Wolfson Children’s Hospital was an excellent asset to the training program and really helped make me a more well rounded physician."
Cynthia Colquhoun, M.D., Class of 2004; Private Practice, Jacksonville, FL
"I interviewed at many programs, but Jacksonville and the UF program provided a warm and welcome feeling that the other places didn't offer. Jacksonville provides the finest restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, with an eclectic mix of young people.
The program at UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville provided a wonderful education. I feel lucky to have been trained by the finest faculty of both the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville and Nemours - all within beautiful Wolfson Children's Hospital.
The friendships that I developed in residency endure to this day!"
Leticia Abrea, M.D., Class of 2004; Private Practice, Jacksonville, FL
"My residency training at UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville Dept of Pediatrics was a valuable experience. The exposure to a variety of pediatric cases, disease processes and treatment plans prepared me well and gave me the confidence I needed starting out in private practice. I firmly believe that the expertise and teaching of the Attendings of both the UF Faculty and Nemours Children's Clinic have prepared the residents to be effective, knowledgeable and successful clinicians. In addition, the supporting nursing staff provided a working environment. The sunny and beautiful city of Jacksonville is a good place to live and raise a family. "
Cristina Estrada, M.D., Class of 2004; Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics and Associate Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program, Vanderbilt University
"My training in Jacksonville was superb. I chose UF because of the diverse faculty and exposure to a variety of pediatric pathology. Upon entering my residency, I was unsure of whether or not I would subspecialize or practice general Pediatrics. I wanted a program that would prepare me for both, and expose me to all of the Pediatric subspecialties. I am grateful for the outstanding training I received and felt confident applying for, and ultimately entering, my Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship.
If I had to do a residency all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. My Pediatric residency was like being a part of a family. My classmates and I bonded over our 3 years of training and still keep in touch."
Quimby McCaskill, M.D., M.P.H., Class of 2003; Private Practice, Fort Mill, SC
"Choosing the residency program in Jacksonville was the best possible decision I could have made for my Pediatric career. It allowed me to pursue my interests in both preventive and curative medicine and it is my belief that the education you learn from the faculty is second to none in the country. In addition, Jacksonville’s warm climate and close proximity to major cities such as Orlando, Atlanta and Miami make it an ideal location to complete one’s residency training."