Resident Life

Life as a Pediatric Neurology Resident at UTHSC

Life in the UTHSC Pediatric Neurology Residency is shaped by meaningful clinical work, strong mentorship, and a close‑knit resident community. Our residents train at world‑class institutions—including Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Memphis Newborn Center—and they support one another through the challenges and triumphs of caring for children with complex neurologic conditions.

While the clinical experience is rigorous, the culture is warm, collaborative, and deeply supportive. Residents form lifelong friendships, celebrate milestones together, and build a sense of belonging that carries them through their training.

A Supportive, Close‑Knit Community

Our residents often describe the program as a “family.” With a small cohort size, everyone knows each other well—neurology residents, pediatric residents, fellows, and faculty. You’ll find:

• Co‑residents who check in on you after a tough call night

• Faculty who genuinely invest in your growth

• A culture where questions are welcomed and curiosity is encouraged

• A team that celebrates your wins—big and small

Whether it’s grabbing coffee before morning report, decompressing after a challenging case, or sharing meals during call weekends, residents build strong bonds that make training both meaningful and enjoyable.

Wellness & Work–Life Balance

We believe that thriving residents make better physicians. Our program prioritizes wellness through:

• Protected wellness half‑days built into the schedule

• Debrief sessions after emotionally challenging cases

• Peer support during NICU, PICU, and inpatient blocks

• Access to UTHSC wellness resources, including counseling and fitness facilities

• Flexible scheduling for medical appointments and personal needs

Residents also enjoy exploring Memphis—whether it’s trying new restaurants, attending concerts, walking along the riverfront, or visiting the Memphis Zoo.

Celebrations, Traditions & Community Events

Our program values connection and joy. Throughout the year, residents participate in:

• Welcome events for incoming interns

• Holiday gatherings with faculty and co‑residents

• Graduation celebrations honoring senior residents

• Team dinners after busy rotations

• Program retreats focused on wellness, reflection, and team building

These moments help residents recharge, reflect, and celebrate their progress.

Mentorship & Professional Growth

Residents receive personalized mentorship from pediatric neurologists, neuroscientists, and subspecialists across our training sites. Mentorship includes:

• Career planning and fellowship guidance

• Research support and project development

• Regular check‑ins with program leadership

• Opportunities to teach medical students and pediatric residents

Our graduates pursue competitive fellowships and rewarding careers in academic medicine, clinical practice, and research.

A Day in the Life

While every rotation is different, a typical day might include:

• Morning sign‑out and team huddle

• Rounds with the inpatient neurology team

• Time in the epilepsy monitoring unit, consult service, or outpatient clinic

• Teaching sessions with faculty

• Afternoon consults or procedures

• Debriefing with co‑residents before heading home

Even on the busiest days, residents support one another and maintain a sense of camaraderie.

Why Residents Love Our Program

Residents consistently highlight:

• The breadth of pathology seen across Le Bonheur, St. Jude, and Regional One

• The supportive faculty who prioritize teaching

• The collaborative environment across pediatrics and neurology

• The balance of autonomy and guidance

• The strong sense of community within the program

Our goal is to help you grow into a confident, compassionate pediatric neurologist—while also ensuring you feel supported, valued, and connected throughout your training.