Pediatrics
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Pediatrics

The Sanford Children's Hospital at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine's Pediatrics Residency Program is committed to developing exceptional. well-rounded pediatricians who are fully prepared to serve diverse patient populations and address critical healthcare needs. Our program delivers a rigorous educational foundation, equipping residents with the clinical expertise and leadership skills necessary to improve the health of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults - and to positively impact the overall health of their communities.

Mission

Training empathetic pediatricians committed to providing quality care and advocating for the well-being of children in their communities.

Aims

  • Education - Providing a broad base of knowledge in assessment, diagnosis, and, management of common and complex pathophysiology in general and subspecialty pediatrics.
  • Scholarly work- Opportunities in world class grant funded research, clinical research network studies, quality improvement initiatives, advocacy, and international electives.
  • Exceptional patient care- 1:1 faculty engagement on rotations, graduated autonomy, direct patient care and hands on experience.
  • Service- Tertiary care center providing care to underserved, marginalized, rural, and suburban populations from a multi-state catchment area.
  • Community- Working as a team with co-residents, attendings, medical students, case managers, mental health professionals, therapists, social work, child life specialists, and other interdisciplinary colleagues.
  • Career Opportunities- Placement for all past graduates in desired fellowships and jobs.

Program Curriculum

The Pediatric Residency Program curriculum was developed to prepare graduates to practice Pediatrics in a variety of settings. Given the rural nature of South Dakota and large catchment area served by our healthcare systems, our program prepares residents to care for children with a wide range of behavioral developmental and complex multi-system conditions. The training provided emphasizes preventive care and a breadth of skills needed to practice effectively across a variety of settings.

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Training Sites

Residents are trained at Sanford Children’s Hospital, a free-standing state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire imagination and play as part of the healing process for sick and injured children. Residents also have a dedicated pediatric clinic located off-campus at 69th Street and Louise Avenue.

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Photo Courtesy of Experience Sioux Falls

Life in Sioux Falls

Get to know the city of Sioux Falls, SD. Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. It has everything you want out of a big city but with a low cost of living and low crime rates. We hope you'll call it home as you continue your medical education (and who knows, maybe even longer!)

Explore Sioux Falls

Why Choose this Program

  • This program has prepared be to be a well-rounded, caring pediatrician.
    My favorite thing about the program is the comradery between the residents and attendings.

    Skyler Kinsey, DO Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2024 Meet Resident
  • I chose Sanford Pediatric Residency Program for its commitment to excellence, comprehensive training, dedicated faculty, emphasis on multidisciplinary care, and research opportunities. The supportive and collaborative culture at Sanford gives me the opportunity to be part of a community that shares my passion for pediatrics and values lifelong learning and growth.

    Pradeeksha Mukuntharaj, MD Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2025 Meet Resident
  • The USD Pediatrics program presents an exceptional environment for residents to grow as physicians, leaders, and teachers. I find inspiration amongst my faculty colleagues in their dedication to patient care, research and QI initiatives, and commitment to teaching. I also enjoy the excitement enthusiastic residents bring to the NICU!

    Jessica White, MD Residency Program Director, Neonatologist Meet Faculty Member
  • There is never a dull moment in the Castle of Care. Work doesn't feel like work when you are surrounded by positive people who have one goal – "Making the tiny humans feel better." I feel lucky to be here, Sioux Falls is a lovely and quaint city to live in.

    Ashlesha Bagwe
    Ashlesha Bagwe, MBBS Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2023 Meet Resident
  • Who wouldn’t want to work in a castle!

    Jade Arrobas
    Jade Arrobas, DO Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2022 Meet Resident
  • It’s a diamond in the rough. It’s a small program in South Dakota but has so much to offer.

    Taryn Raschein
    Taryn Raschein, MD Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2021 Meet Resident
  • The small size of the program allows for many opportunities for hands on learning. It also allows for some flexibility to personalize their education.

    Kayelyn Wagner
    KayeLyn Wagner, MD, MME Associate Program Director Meet Faculty Member
  • We work in an iconic castle, taking care of sick children in their time of need, helping them navigate their future while preparing ourselves for the road ahead.

    Kyle Baum
    Kyle Baum, DO Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2023 Meet Resident
  • From my perspective as an attending who did a residency at another location, I think this program is unique in how it fosters excellent teaching relationships between learners and staff and a fair balance between work-based and traditional learning.

    D. Isum Ward Clinical Geneticist Meet Faculty Member
  • A personalized approach to training assures every resident optimizes their opportunities towards their goals. Wonderful mentors, faculty and excellent training environment.

    Michelle Baack, MD, FAAP Department Chair Meet Faculty Member
  • I have really enjoyed my time in the USD pediatrics residency program. I have grown as both a physician and person, and feel well equipped to begin my career as a pediatrician.

    Aimee Koenig
    Aimee Koenig, MD | Chief Resident Pediatrics Resident, Class of 2020

Virtual Visits

Our residents have guided our efforts to present our philosophy of education to you. We have always been told that the in-person visit “seals the deal” and we are hopeful that the “virtual visit” will accomplish the same goal.

Take the Tour