Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is a community-based, university-affiliated pediatric program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Hackensack Meridian Health), anchored by New Jersey's only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, a 35-bed Level III NICU, and a 10-bed PICU without in-house PICU or NICU fellows, giving residents unusually hands-on procedural responsibility (difficult airways, LPs, IVs) that would otherwise go to fellows. The 10-resident-per-class size supports close mentorship and a structured scholarly curriculum built on a mandatory QI project (assigned PGY-1, reported by mid-PGY-2) plus an optional "Distinction in Research" pathway for those pursuing publication and presentation. Outpatient continuity care at the Jane H. Booker Family Health Center serves underserved populations in Neptune and Asbury Park, reflecting a stated commitment to child advocacy and community outreach alongside subspecialty exposure (nephrology is nationally ranked). Recent graduates split heavily toward subspecialty fellowships (hematology-oncology, cardiology, neonatology, critical care, pulmonology) alongside some entering private/general pediatrics and hospitalist faculty roles, indicating the program supports both fellowship-bound and community-practice-oriented residents without a singular academic mandate.