General Pediatrics Residency Curriculum Continuity Clinics Didactics Leadership & Committee Work Individualized Tracks Pathways STAR Pathway Primary Care Pathway Primary Care Pathway Home Research Research: Clinical Departments Pediatrics: Home Pediatrics: Education & Training Pediatrics: Education & Training > Residency Programs Pediatrics: Education & Training > Residency Programs > General Pediatrics Residency Program Pediatrics: Education & Training > Residency Programs > General Pediatrics Residency Program > Curriculum Pediatrics: Education & Training > Residency Programs > General Pediatrics Residency Program > Curriculum > Pathways Pediatrics: Education & Training > Residency Programs > General Pediatrics Residency Program > Curriculum > Pathways > Primary Care Pathway Explore the Primary Care Pathway The primary care pathway is a self-selected pathway that is open to all interested pediatric residents. Residents who complete the pathway’s requirements qualify for graduation with distinction in primary care. Most residents join at the start of intern year; however, it is possible to join by the middle of second year. Training the Future Pediatric Primary Care Workforce Developing the future primary care workforce is of vital importance, especially in the state of California, where over 7 million Californians are estimated to live in provider shortage areas. Investing in the development of skilled physicians with expertise in pediatric primary care is crucial to the care of children, families and communities. Primary care pediatricians provide early detection, prevention and management of health conditions; address the needs of underserved communities; and help ensure a healthier future for generations to come. The UC Irvine/CHOC pediatric residency program provides a specialized pathway fostering the professional development of pediatric residents who graduate with distinction in primary care and are sought after for competitive job positions in Orange County, California and beyond. History The foundation for the UC Irvine/CHOC Pediatric Residency Primary Care Pathway began in 2014, when the Department of Pediatrics committed to enhancing training for residents with an interest in primary care. In 2015, the inaugural Primary Care Track was designed to strengthen residents' training opportunities by recommending clinical electives and providing specialized didactic lectures for residents pursuing a career in primary care. The track has since grown into a pathway with funding support from multiple sources, including the Physicians for a Healthy California CalMedForce GME grant program since 2019 and the Song Brown program since 2022. Now the pathway includes curricular and experiential training opportunities and mentorship, in addition to the traditional residency curriculum. The primary care pathway further enhances residents’ expertise in primary care as pediatricians by preparing graduates to address the diverse needs of children and families. Purpose To advance child health by developing a highly skilled pediatric primary care workforce equipped to address children’s unique health needs. Mission To foster the professional development of the pediatric primary care workforce by preparing residents to skillfully screen for, identify and treat diverse diagnoses impacting the health and well-being of children To provide a flexible yet specialized training pathway that enhances awareness of the medical and social needs of patients from socioeconomically and culturally diverse communities To plant the seed for an appreciation for lifelong learning and clinical excellence Vision Every child has access to an expertly trained primary care pediatrician who can support their healthy growth, development and future. Learning Objectives Obtain advanced knowledge in primary care pediatrics, including ambulatory, newborn nursery and urgent care. Gain comfort in pediatric ambulatory pediatrics to be prepared for primary care or urgent care practice upon graduation. Learning Requirements Throughout residency, primary care pathway residents are required to: Complete recommended electives and core rotations (i.e. Sports Medicine, Newborn Nursery and Ambulatory Pediatrics). Conduct research or quality improvement with a focus on primary care or community health. Collaborate and communicate effectively with a primary care pediatrician mentor. Present an ambulatory guideline to fellow residents, pathway mentors and administrative faculty. Engage in monthly evening primary care seminars or primary care-related CME events, such as the AAP Annual Current Advances in Pediatrics Conference. "Being a part of the primary care track as a UCI/CHOC resident provided me with invaluable outpatient-focused opportunities that I would not have otherwise experienced. My time in the primary care track has allowed me to feel well-prepared to begin the next step of my journey as an attending. I give this track my highest recommendations for anyone considering primary care." -—Mohammed Aftab, MD, Class of 2025 Focused Deliverables Deliverables required for graduating with distinction in primary care are outlined below. First Year Declare Interest Complete ABC-O (An outpatient primary care rotation) Second Year Complete a Primary Care or Community Health Focused Quality Improvement Project Participate in an additional Autonomy Continuity Clinic (Optional) Third Year Present a Primary Care Guideline Participate in an additional Autonomy Continuity Clinic (Optional) Second- and third-year residents with expressed interest can interview to participate in an autonomy continuity clinic — in addition to their regular continuity clinic — to further enhance their independence as primary care physicians. Program Alumni View our program alumni who graduated with distinction in primary care. ALUMNI "Being part of the primary care track was a highlight of residency for me. It was invaluable to be able to connect with other like minded people and gain more relevant experience/training for my future career in primary care. Now on the other side as an attending, being part of the track is a great and fun opportunity to continue advancing my learning while also mentoring." -—Casey Schreiber, DO, FAAP, Class of 2022 Program Leadership Hillary Zieve, MD Pediatrics General Residency Primary Care Pathway Co-Director Candice Taylor Lucas, MD, MPH Pediatrics General Residency Primary Care Pathway Co-Director Contact Us For questions about the primary care pathway, please email pedsresidency@hs.uci.edu. CONNECT WITH US