All residents have the opportunity to complete a scholarly project during their three years of pediatrics training. The Department hosts an annual Pediatric Research Symposium with awards for Pediatric Resident Research. The top 4 abstracts also present at the departmental Grand Rounds each year. 

For those with a strong background in research, interested in a future career with a significant research component, or interested in exploring research opportunities that may lead to fellowship training, there are several mechanisms to be more heavily involved in research as a resident.  

Mentorship is critical and there are opportunities to find mentors not only within the Department of Pediatrics but also in other units and Departments within the University to take advantage of the breadth of the research community.  

Individuals with significant research experience and who are committed to a research career may apply for support from the Pediatric Physician-Scientist Training Program (PPSTP). This program is offered as a mechanism to encourage and develop Pediatric Residents who are committed to a research career. Applicants with advanced degrees such as M.P.H. or PhD are encouraged to apply, but an advanced degree is not required for participation in the PPSTP. The PPSTP allows dedicated research time during residency for participation in research projects mentored by faculty at the University of Michigan. Please use this link to learn more about this opportunity. 

• First Pediatrics - A Podcast for Pediatric Residents - Dr. Christopher Demas (2024 Graduate; former Chief Resident)

• A Multi-intervention Pilot to Improve Safety Reporting Engagement Among Pediatric House Officers- Dr. Steven Scaglione (2025 Graduate)

• Resident and attending physician perspectives on early allergenic food introduction in the primary care setting- Dr. Paola Werner (2025 graduate, current chief)

• Educational Interventions to Improve the Quality of Provider Documentation for Pediatric Respiratory Failure - Dr. Elise Corden (2024 Graduate; Current University of Michigan Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellow)

• Real-World Associations Between Self-reported Nutrition Habits and Weight Outcomes- Dr. Rebecca Fuhlbrigge (2025 graduate)

• Young Adults and Teens, A Unique Phenotypic Group: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study of Adolescents and Young Adults Admitted with Respiratory Failure to 48 Pediatric Intensive Care Units - Dr. Kevin Gochenour (2024 Graduate; Current University of Michigan Pediatric Critical Care Fellow)

• Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma with Non-Canonical Fusion: A Case Report - Dr. Tommy Hu (2024 Graduate; Current University of Michigan Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow)

• Peanut Oral Food Challenges are Frequently Passed in Low-Risk Populations Referred for Oral Immunotherapy - Dr. Candice Gard (2024 Graduate; Current University of Michigan Allergy & Immunology Fellow)

• Pediatric Emergency Procedure Education – A Just-in-Time Medical Education Resource - Dr. Katelyn Mayer (2025 Graduate)

• Resident Breastfeeding and Lactation Education: A National Study of Pediatric Residents - Dr. Katerina Castillo (2025 Medicine- Pediatrics Graduate)

At Large: Research at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is one of the top-ranked public research universities in the world and top-ranked for research volume among U.S. public research universities. The Department of Pediatrics supports all types of research, including basic science, clinical, translational, medical education, and health services research and has over $25 million dollars in extramural funding every year.