It is our belief that learning, even under great stress, is accomplished best when there is an atmosphere of collegiality and benevolence. 

We also believe that time away from the hospital is therapeutic and in the resident's best interest, both professionally and personally. The "Ocean State" is in a wonderful cultural and geographic region in that regard.

The call schedule for the pediatric surgical fellow is labor-intensive, but not overwhelming. The fellow divides calls with the senior surgical senior on service and often has senior-level coverage from mid-level practitioners. However, the pediatric surgery fellow is expected to be available for index/neonatal cases when not on vacation.

During the one-month rotation in pediatric urology, the one-month rotation in neonatology, and the one-month rotation in the pediatric intensive care unit during the first year, the pediatric surgical fellow is on call for general pediatric surgical evaluations after 6 p.m. It is not mandatory that the pediatric surgical fellow remains within the hospital when on-call, but it is stressed that the pediatric surgical fellow must be within a 10-mile radius at all times. When the pediatric surgical fellow is on vacation or when it is necessary to be out of town on other occasions, appropriate arrangements are made with the general surgical senior resident for coverage. The pediatric surgical fellow spends 60 to 70 hours per week at the hospital, depending on the circumstances for a given week.

The moment the pediatric surgical fellow begins training at Brown, the faculty becomes available for any type of professional, personal, or emotional support needed at any time during the residency. Professional psychiatric and social work help is available when it is perceived or indicated by the residents or faculty. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Our investment in the resident is both professional and personal. The program also retains a wellness coach for private consultations.