Inpatient Ward & PICU

The UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center is the major pediatric referral hospital for central Massachusetts, northern Connecticut and southern New Hampshire. It is also a community hospital for Worcester and is the only Level I trauma center serving both adults and children in New England. More than 200 medical and surgical experts in more than 30 specialties comprise the center, spanning 2 campuses (University and Memorial) that are located one mile apart.

Inpatient Ward

Children admitted to the 30-bed inpatient service present diagnostic and management problems ranging from basic to complex. All children are cared for by residents, with supervision and consultation by pediatric hospitalists, subspecialty pediatricians, pediatric surgeons and pediatric surgical subspecialists. 

A full teaching schedule of rounds and conferences supplements the hands-on learning and supervised clinical experiences of the inpatient service. A curriculum of in situ high-fidelity simulations practice common urgent scenarios encountered on the floor, helping prepare residents to lead during any critical moments that may arise. Medical students participate in the educational activities year-round and enhance the academic atmosphere. 

A team approach to patient care is strongly emphasized. The care team includes attending physicians, nurses, residents, medical students, case managers, pharmacists, social workers, respiratory therapists, OT/PT specialists, speech and language pathologists and Child Life staff members. All team members work together in a mutually supportive environment to ensure comprehensive and outstanding patient care. 

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The 10-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is the only facility in central Massachusetts that provides intensive care to children. Residents provide patient care in the PICU under the supervision and guidance of pediatric critical care faculty members. There are no fellows, so our residents are critical and active team members. Pediatric residents are responsible for both medical and surgical ICU patients. Our house staff gain experience in the care of medical ICU patients, trauma patients and surgical subspeciality patients. Fundamental critical care knowledge, technical expertise, and skills in the provision of psychosocial support to patients and families are fostered by the faculty and staff through supervised clinical care, rounds and conferences. Weekly interprofessional, in situ, high-fidelity simulations help prepare our residents for the autonomy that we strive to advance throughout training.