Pediatrics Residency Columbia - Chair's Welcome

The Department of Pediatrics is committed to excellence in scholarly activity, education and the clinical care of children.

As a graduate of our residency program and faculty member of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, I understand firsthand how a solid foundation in medical education obtained through training in an excellent residency program that focuses not only on medical knowledge but also on the art of medicine, aids in the development of the most competent, compassionate, and clinically excellent pediatricians. 

Guided by our belief that it is an honor and privilege to take care of children, the Department of Pediatrics strives to make a lasting impact in the community and in the lives of the families we serve. While our team of talented pediatric specialists offers the most comprehensive care available, we believe in being partners in care by working with parents and families to guide and develop the health of children at the highest quality that is individualized recognizing each family and child`s uniqueness. Since we do not have fellowships, our residents work directly alongside faculty who provide them with a hands-on, real-world medical experience in delivering care while supporting their development to grow into the pediatrician every child deserves. In addition, our focus on quality improvement that incorporates our residents has resulted in being recognized as teh National Hospital of the Month for quality by the Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) Network.

I am especially proud of the accomplishments of our almost 100 clinician-teachers who are the major reason for the ongoing educational achievements of our department. Our ABP board pass rates are among the highest in the nation, usually reaching a 100 percent pass rate. We have been voted the top teaching department in our medical school for 25 of 27 years.  Our community advocacy program was instituted years before it became a focus of the ACGME based on our belief that a pediatrician is always to be a child advocate. Also, we are among the handful of pediatric residency programs that provide ultrasound training to our residents, as we believe this tool will enable the pediatrician of the future to elevate the care that is currently possible.

In summary, we believe that it is an honor and privilege to be a pediatrician; with that comes the obligation and responsibility for us all to be the best pediatricians possible to serve and care for the children seeking our help and to provide the best education possible to our learners. We hope you will share in that honor and privilege by being a part of our residency. 

R. Caughman Taylor, MD
Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, UofSC School of Medicine
Senior Medical Director, Prisma Health Children's Hospital