Medical Student Pediatric Subinternship

The Pediatric Sub-Internship is a highly valuable and immersive clinical experience designed specifically for fourth-year medical students who are considering a future in children’s healthcare. This four-week, hands-on program provides an in-depth introduction to inpatient pediatric medicine, allowing students to take on a significantly increased level of patient-care responsibility. Completion of this rotation fulfills the fourth-year requirement for a sub-internship and is recommended not only for students pursuing Pediatrics, but also for those entering related fields who wish to strengthen their clinical skills in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. 

This rotation is offered every month, although availability is limited in order to ensure a high-quality learning environment with appropriate supervision. Students are integrated into established pediatric inpatient service teams at one of several teaching sites, including NS-42 at UHD, Kings County Hospital Center, Brookdale Hospital, or Maimonides Medical Center. These sites represent a diverse mix of patient populations and clinical challenges, giving students the opportunity to encounter a broad spectrum of pediatric conditions. 

Each inpatient team is composed of an attending pediatrician, a chief resident, a senior resident, first-year pediatric residents (PGY-1 or PL-1), sub-Interns, and third-year medical students completing their clerkship. As a sub-intern, students assume a role comparable to that of a first-year pediatric resident, meaning they actively participate in day-to-day patient management. This includes performing focused histories and physical exams, creating assessment and plan notes, managing ongoing care, and communicating with families—all under the close supervision of senior residents and attending faculty. 

Students learn by direct involvement and by observing the clinical reasoning and leadership modeled by their supervising physicians. They function as key members of the care team, joining daily ward rounds, documenting clinical progress, assisting with procedures, drafting consult requests, and participating in clinical decision-making. The rotation also includes educational elements such as didactic conferences, case discussions, and teaching rounds aimed at expanding clinical knowledge and reinforcing essential pediatric principles. 

Call responsibilities are structured to provide realistic exposure without overwhelming students. Sub-interns complete two weekday short-call shifts from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as well as one twelve-hour weekend day call during the four-week block. These shifts allow students to experience the fast-paced nature of inpatient pediatrics during off-peak hours while still maintaining a manageable schedule. 

The clinical settings where students rotate are dynamic, engaging, and often fast-moving. They offer a rich learning environment filled with diverse cases, medically complex patients, and dedicated healthcare professionals committed to both patient care and medical education. For many students, this sub-internship becomes a defining experience—one that builds confidence, strengthens clinical judgment, and provides a realistic preview of what to expect during the first year of residency. 

Students who have completed the rotation often describe it as one of the most valuable components of their medical training. They report feeling significantly more prepared for the demands of their upcoming residency year, citing increased confidence in clinical decision-making and patient management. In addition, the rotation provides meaningful opportunities to demonstrate their work ethic and growth to supervising physicians, which commonly results in excellent evaluations and supportive letters of recommendation that strengthen their residency applications. 

Students meet with the Sub-Internship Director, Dr. Sule Doymaz, at several points throughout the rotation. The experience begins with an orientation session on the first day, followed by an individual mid-rotation check-in to assess progress and address any concerns. At the end of the four weeks, students attend an exit meeting to provide both formal and informal feedback that helps continually refine and improve the program. 

Enrollment in each rotation block is capped at a maximum of five students to ensure adequate teaching and supervision. Because spots are limited and schedules must be planned carefully, any add/drop changes must be approved at least two months before the rotation begins. 

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For more information regarding the Pediatrics Subinternships, please contact: