Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the call schedule/ward function like? 
• How much vacation do we get?
• Are there any call free months?
• What is the curriculum?
• Are the residents allowed to do electives away?
• How are the ancillary services?
• What is the cost of living?
• Is there any moving expenses provided?

What is the call schedule/ward function like?

The ward has four teams. Generally, each team includes one upper level, one intern and 1-2 medical students. There is also an intern designated to the hematology/oncology service. These four teams are divided into two groups each having their own staff attending with which they round with every morning. We also carry private patients with which we communicate with the private attendings on a daily basis. There is also a non-team care service which is utilized to maintain the number of patients on each team, as well as ensure the highest yield learning experience from a limited number of patients. There is a 12 patient cap per team.

Call is q4 for a total of 7 calls and 4 days off during the 28-day block. There is no night float, but the hematology/oncology intern, and occasionally another intern on an outpatient rotation, do some call that month to help with cross cover issues.

There are a daily attending rounds or morning report at which time we discuss all the admissions briefly and go into detail with a formal presentation on at least one patient everyday. During this forum we also have weekly radiology rounds and monthly neuroimaging rounds. The hematology/oncology team is also welcome to present cases during these rounds.

[Return to top]

How much vacation do we get?

Hawaii Residency Program (HRP) provides a total of 3 weeks paid vacation to be taken during the term of the employment agreement. There is no payment in lieu of vacation.

[Return to top]

Are there any call free months?

Yes. There is a total of four call free months, one during each of the first two years and two during the third year.

[Return to top]

What is the curriculum?

The University of Hawai'i Pediatric Residency Program offers two training options. Each year we match eight pediatric categorical residents and two triple board residents (pediatrics, psychiatry, and child psychiatry). Our program is a community-based university affiliated program. As such, community pediatrics is a central focus of our training program. Roughly 2/3 of our residents go onto careers in general pediatrics. Education in community pediatrics is provided through two programs, the Continuity Care Program and the Hawai'i Dyson Initiative. These programs are continuous through all years of training. Our academic calendar is divided into thirteen 4-week block rotations.

The Program provides six regularly scheduled teaching conferences each week. These conferences include Grand Rounds and Monday Noon Conference at which the entire pediatric community is invited to attend, as well as, resident conferences which include lectures and board review in every subspecialty.

See the "Curriculum" section for more details.

[Return to top]

Are the residents allowed to do electives away?

Yes, with careful approval by the Program Director and Sponsoring Insitution. It is allowed only in the second or third year of training

[Return to top]

How are the ancillary services?

There is a full complement of ancillary services available which includes 24-hour laboratory and radiology services.

[Return to top]

What is the cost of living?

You may have heard that the cost of living in Hawaii is higher than the continental United States. What you have heard in true. Honolulu is the 4th most expensive city in the United States. Honolulu's cost of living is slightly more expensive than Long Beach, San Diego and Washington DC. According to the ACCRA figures, Honolulu is now 27% cheaper than San Francisco and 17% more expensive than Washington DC.

According to our statistics taken from newspapers and local listings, a one bedroom in a house or apartment may cost from $700-$850 a month while a studio can run anywhere from $550-$650 a month. Please note that these prices are only averages. The prices have a large range depending upon the current market, location and type kind of accommodations you are seeking. Manhattan, San Francisco, Stanford and Long Beach have higher housing prices.

Health care and prices for miscellaneous goods and services (fast food, clothing, recreational activities, and other items), on the other hand, are not far above the national average. You may anticipate paying 15-20% more for most food items than you would normally pay. However, there are many unique things to do in Hawaii that are free.

[Return to top]

Is there any moving expenses provided?

Yes. There is a one-time stipend to help with the moving costs. Hawaii Residency Program, Inc. (HRP) will reimburse relocating residents up to $1000 for actual moving expenses. To qualify for this reimbursement, a resident must be moving more than 50 miles and must not have been employed by HRP during the previous 12 months. Requests for reimbursement and receipts must be submitted no later than 3 months from the date of hire. Policies and procedures governing the reimbursement of moving expenses will be determined using the IRS accountable expense plan.

[Return to top]