Community Oriented Resident Education (CORE)

The Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh proudly supports Community-Oriented Resident Education (CORE) as an interest group that aims to train leaders in community health and child advocacy.

CORE is the advocacy coalition hub and “community of courage” open to all residents, fellows, and attendings at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Historically rooted in training resident leaders in community health, CORE continues to be a platform for education and action to address the broader structural forces and social determinants of health impacting children across society. CORE empowers pediatricians & pediatric trainees of all specialties and professional tracks to take an active role in advancing social justice and child health policy.

CORE is built on the pillars of:

1. Education
   • Resident Morning/Noon Conferences
   • Listserv, WhatsApp Group
   • Global Health Rotation Support
2. Advocacy
   • AAP Actions
   • Legislative Visits
   • Phone Calls
3. Service
   • Women's Center & Shelter Clinic
   • Salud Para Ninos
   • Home Visit Project

Our goals for CORE residents are that they will:

• Develop the personal and professional skills necessary to be effective leaders in community health;
• Acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to partner effectively with communities to improve child health; and
• Gain clinical experience in the provision of compassionate and culturally competent care to the underserved.

Residents in CORE will be exposed to various learning opportunities and clinical experiences that will enhance their understanding of key community health issues, such as health disparities, cultural humility, and health policy.

“CORE has allowed me to form a social justice family. We have developed a vibrant network of like-minded physicians across multiple specialties, who are passionate about using their position to advocate for children in Pittsburgh and abroad. I am proud to stand beside these individuals in their efforts to improve the well-being of all children.” - Nicholas Szoko, MD

CORE residents have pursued a wide range of careers upon graduation including fellowship training in a variety of subspecialties, work in the Indian Health Service, primary health care in urban and rural communities, and hospitalist positions.
We welcome your interest and are happy to provide more information about the interests and accomplishments of the CORE residents and the program. Residents are open to joining CORE at any point of their residency training. 

We welcome your interest and are happy to provide more information about the interests and accomplishments of the CORE residents and the program. CORE does not require a separate ERAS application, but a brief, separate application is required. For additional information about CORE, contact Jennifer Wolford, DO, PH, Assistant Professor, Child Advocacy at jennifer.wolford@chp.edu.