St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers a variety of options for residents to personalize their training throughout residency. While most residents do not pursue a formal pathway, first-year residents have the opportunity to apply for several specialized pathways and programs designed to align with their interests and career goals.

Pathways

Advocacy Pathway

Created by MOCARE, a statewide collaborative of Missouri’s four pediatric residency programs, the Advocacy Pathway prepares residents to become leaders in child health advocacy. This pathway supports those who wish to prioritize advocacy and community pediatrics in their careers. Participants gain insight into child health disparities, explore the drivers of these disparities at state and national levels, and learn how pediatricians can address them through media engagement and health policy influence.

Global Health Pathway

Established in 2014, the Pediatric Global Health Residency Pathway at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers residents specialized training in global child health. Beginning in the second year, participants complete a two-week course featuring lectures, simulation labs and local experiences and are encouraged to pursue an international elective with financial and logistical support. Past electives have included sites across Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, and opportunities have resumed post-pandemic. Global health education also extends to all residents through integrated lectures and journal clubs.

Integrated Research Pathway

Advancing careers in academic medicine, the Pediatric Research Pathway offers specialized training for physician-scientists during residency. Approved by the American Board of Pediatrics, this pathway is designed for MD/PhD graduates or those with equivalent research experience and commitment. Participants continue their research alongside clinical training and are encouraged to apply before or early in their PL-1 year.

Teaching Physician Pathway (WUTPP)

Focusing on the art of teaching, the WashU Medicine Teaching Physician Pathway provides residents with advanced training in medical education. During their second and third years, participants join colleagues from multiple departments for sessions on educational theory, curriculum design and teaching techniques, while gaining hands-on experience with medical students and peers in varied settings. Residents also complete a scholarly project in education and have opportunities to present at national conferences, preparing them to become skilled clinician-educators.

Participation in these pathways provides residents dedicated time to focus their elective rotations on the above areas of interest. In addition, each pathway allows residents to complete a scholarly project with faculty mentors in their respective field.

There are opportunities for residents not in these pathways to gain experience in these fields. Examples include participating in the advocacy committee, international education experiences and medical education training.

Combined programs

Medical Genetics and Genomics Program

Offering advanced training in medical genetics, this two-year ACGME-accredited program is designed for physicians who have completed a prior residency and seek a career in genetics. The program provides comprehensive clinical and academic preparation in partnership with WashU Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Pediatric Neurology Residency

Built on the philosophy that excellent pediatric neurologists combine compassionate care, curiosity and a commitment to teaching, our program offers a rich, multidisciplinary training environment. Residents benefit from collaboration with colleagues across specialties, gaining diverse perspectives and career models that enhance both clinical and academic growth.

Pediatric/Medical Genetics Combined Residency

This four-year ACGME-accredited program provides comprehensive clinical training and formal instruction in both pediatrics and medical genetics. Designed for physicians seeking dual certification and academic careers in genetics and genomics, the program offers an integrated pathway to develop expertise across both specialties.

Physician-Scientist Training Program (PePSTP)

Preparing future leaders in pediatric research, PePSTP bridges the transition from MD/PhD completion through clinical training and mentored research. The program combines exceptional clinical experience with rigorous scientific training, offering individualized support, access to subspecialty fellowships, and strong mentorship. Since its launch, PePSTP has grown steadily and continues to receive significant external support.