Resident Life

Teaching is an important part of the culture at Duke. Our residents learn from outstanding faculty, but they also take pride in teaching and learning from one another. Duke pediatric residents are frequently recognized by the School of Medicine for their effectiveness as teachers and play an important role in the education of our medical students. Through our Resident as Teacher Committee and Resident as Teacher elective, residents also have dedicated opportunities to further develop their skills as educators.

Our program is committed to continuous improvement, with open and transparent communication between residents and program leadership at its core. Residents have multiple opportunities to share ideas, raise concerns, and help shape the program. Regular town halls provide space for residents and leadership to discuss challenges and work together on solutions, while weekly updates from the chief residents keep everyone informed about important announcements and program changes. Our Medical Education Committee is open to all residents, giving anyone who is interested the opportunity to participate directly in conversations about the curriculum and residency experience. Residents can also provide confidential feedback at any time through our online suggestion box.

A strong sense of community and shared purpose is at the heart of what makes Duke such a special place to train. Our residents learn together, celebrate together, and build relationships that extend well beyond their clinical teams. We intentionally create opportunities throughout residency for those connections to grow.

Those relationships start early. Interns begin the year with a welcome celebration, and interns continue to have dedicated opportunities to learn and connect as a class, including our intern bootcamps. Class retreats throughout residency provide time away from the hospital to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead to the next stage of training.

We also prioritize time together as residency throughout the year. Our resident-led Wellness Committee plans regular end-of-block events, giving residents a chance to celebrate finishing a rotation block, spend time together outside of work, and recharge before the next one begins. Residents also organize activities throughout the year, from trivia nights and seasonal celebrations to gatherings shaped by the interests of each class.

Some traditions bring the entire residency together, including our annual department holiday party, senior celebrations, and welcome events for new trainees. Whether it is a large program event or an informal gathering after a block, these shared experiences help strengthen the relationships and sense of belonging that develop throughout residency.

Pediatric residency at Duke is an exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey—one filled with meaningful patient care, lifelong learning, and strong professional relationships. These formative years are enriched even further by the opportunities residents have to enjoy life beyond the hospital.

Life outside the hospital is one of the many perks of training here. Residents have wonderfully fulfilling lives beyond work. Many residents buy homes or townhomes, with local banks offering great incentives for residents. They often socialize together outside of work, taking advantage of all the Triangle has to offer including dancing, dining out, shopping, catching a movie or theater performance, and exploring museums and art galleries. Outdoor adventures are always close at hand, with opportunities for biking, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the area’s parks and greenways.

Durham itself is a vibrant city with a rich blend of old and new—dynamic neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and a welcoming, community-minded spirit. As part of the Research Triangle, residents also have easy access to Chapel Hill and Raleigh, each with its own culture and attractions. And when it’s time for a weekend escape, North Carolina’s diverse landscapes make it easy—Durham is just two hours from the beautiful Atlantic beaches and three hours from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether unwinding on the coast, hiking mountain trails, or exploring small towns, residents have endless opportunities to recharge, connect, and make the most of their time here.

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 email us and we would be happy to give you the phone numbers and/or email addresses of some residents to contact.