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Resident Life
The residents at Duke make our programs what they are: unique, educational and fun. Meet some of our residents and learn why they chose Duke. More>>
The Nuts and BoltsTeaching - A Priority
It is clearly important that one chooses a residency program where he or she can work with extremely knowledgeable, talented, and dedicated faculty. Duke pediatric residents are just as important in the teaching process. They take pride in teaching and learning from each other. Each year, the residents recognize one resident who has been most instrumental to their education.
It is clearly important that one chooses a residency program where he or she can work with extremely knowledgeable, talented, and dedicated faculty. Duke pediatric residents are just as important in the teaching process. They take pride in teaching and learning from each other. Each year, the residents recognize one resident who has been most instrumental to their education.
Communication
While striving to be the best residency program possible, improvements can always be made. The leadership provides many arenas for residents to discuss issues and solutions. Bagels are provided each Friday morning, giving the residents in the hospital the opportunity to gather and discuss any current issues in the program. A more formal meeting is also held once a month on a Friday morning with the chief residents. Announcements and kudos are emailed to the group once per week to facilitate communication between the chief residents and the residents. Additionally, the Residency Council, with elected representatives from each class, meets monthly to deal specifically with issues of concern. At least one representative from the Residency Council meets with the Pediatric Graduate Medical Education Committee on a quarterly basis.
Internship and residency comprise three difficult years that can be filled with stress and transition. While the program takes pride in the camaraderie and support offered by the group of residents, the leadership also recognizes the need at times for more formal support. The program has a social worker who works with residents on communication and interpersonal skills and is available to residents and their families for individualized short-term counseling, if needed.
While striving to be the best residency program possible, improvements can always be made. The leadership provides many arenas for residents to discuss issues and solutions. Bagels are provided each Friday morning, giving the residents in the hospital the opportunity to gather and discuss any current issues in the program. A more formal meeting is also held once a month on a Friday morning with the chief residents. Announcements and kudos are emailed to the group once per week to facilitate communication between the chief residents and the residents. Additionally, the Residency Council, with elected representatives from each class, meets monthly to deal specifically with issues of concern. At least one representative from the Residency Council meets with the Pediatric Graduate Medical Education Committee on a quarterly basis.
Internship and residency comprise three difficult years that can be filled with stress and transition. While the program takes pride in the camaraderie and support offered by the group of residents, the leadership also recognizes the need at times for more formal support. The program has a social worker who works with residents on communication and interpersonal skills and is available to residents and their families for individualized short-term counseling, if needed.
A Sense of Camaraderie
The mission of the residency program is to attract a group of people with interesting and diverse backgrounds who can come together and work well as a team. The leadership realizes the importance of finding people who enjoy each other’s company for both improved teamwork and an enjoyable atmosphere. 
Winter months bring the annual broom hockey game sponsored by the Phantoms of Phun and the department holiday party. The springtime is packed with activities: retreats for each program level to reflect on the past year and think about the future, the annual spring picnic, senior dinners, a hello/goodbye party, and more . . . anything that can be done for a little R&R! Monthly birthday celebrations are another great way to take a break and socialize with colleagues. Dr. Majure has even been known to load up his ice chest with selections of local ice cream, frozen custard, or gelato for an afternoon break.
Life - It's What's Happening When You're Busy Making Other Plans
Residency is what one makes of it. It can be a tough three years that one must "get through" or it can be a time of learning, opportunity and fun. At Duke, the latter is preferred. The resident should enjoy his or her time here and not just think of it as a means to an end. That means having a life outside of the hospital, too.
Residents here have wonderfully fulfilling lives outside of the hospital. Some of them are married with children, some have significant others, and some choose to enjoy the single life. Many have bought their own homes or townhomes; the local banks give great incentives to residents. They often socialize with each other outside of work and take advantage of all the opportunities in the Triangle area. They go dancing, out to dinner, shopping, movies, and the theater. They play sports and truly enjoy themselves in a wide range of recreational activities.
Durham has a variety of sites to keep the visitor or resident busy. Among the museums in the area are the Museum of Life and Science, the Nasher Museum of Art, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Activities around the area include the Festival for the Eno, the Durham Bulls, and the American Tobacco Trail. Durham also offers many waterways and golf courses. Durham’s location also offers the opportunity for fun and educational weekend holidays. You can visit one of North Carolina’s many vineyards, tour Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, camp in some North Carolina's parks, or take a trip to the Outer Banks. Durham is also relatively close other cities. Washington, D.C., Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach are all within a day’s drive. More information about the Durham area can be found at About Duke & the Triangle. Or you can visit the Durham Conventions and Visitors Bureau's web site.
Residency is what one makes of it. It can be a tough three years that one must "get through" or it can be a time of learning, opportunity and fun. At Duke, the latter is preferred. The resident should enjoy his or her time here and not just think of it as a means to an end. That means having a life outside of the hospital, too.
Residents here have wonderfully fulfilling lives outside of the hospital. Some of them are married with children, some have significant others, and some choose to enjoy the single life. Many have bought their own homes or townhomes; the local banks give great incentives to residents. They often socialize with each other outside of work and take advantage of all the opportunities in the Triangle area. They go dancing, out to dinner, shopping, movies, and the theater. They play sports and truly enjoy themselves in a wide range of recreational activities.Durham has a variety of sites to keep the visitor or resident busy. Among the museums in the area are the Museum of Life and Science, the Nasher Museum of Art, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Activities around the area include the Festival for the Eno, the Durham Bulls, and the American Tobacco Trail. Durham also offers many waterways and golf courses. Durham’s location also offers the opportunity for fun and educational weekend holidays. You can visit one of North Carolina’s many vineyards, tour Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, camp in some North Carolina's parks, or take a trip to the Outer Banks. Durham is also relatively close other cities. Washington, D.C., Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach are all within a day’s drive. More information about the Durham area can be found at About Duke & the Triangle. Or you can visit the Durham Conventions and Visitors Bureau's web site.
More Questions?
We hope we've given you a better sense of what our residency program is all about, but we would be happy to answer any other questions you might have. Please feel free to call the office and we would be happy to give you the phone numbers and/or email addresses of some residents to contact.
Esther Thoman
Program Coordinator
DUMC Box 3127
Duke Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
919-684-2356
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