BRIDGE Fellowship Program

Building Resident Interest, Development, and Guidance for Entry (BRIDGE) into Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowships

Program Overview

The BRIDGE into Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowships is a mentorship centered pathway program designed to strengthen the pediatric subspecialty workforce by supporting residents in exploring and pursuing advanced training. The pathway provides intentional subspecialty exposure, structured mentorship and career development opportunities that support pediatric subspecialty fellowship preparation. Through engagement and sustained support, BRIDGE aims to foster informed career decision making while aligning resident development with institutional and national subspecialty workforce needs.

The BRIDGE program will bring residents from a variety of backgrounds to Children’s National for a four-week training experience. Visiting residents will have the opportunity to rotate within one of the pediatric subspecialty rotations offered at Children’s National. Residents will gain clinical exposure in a subspecialty area of interest, participate in programming to foster community and networking opportunities, and be paired with a faculty and fellow mentor during their visit to encourage professional development and growth throughout their rotation. Residents will receive a $3,500 stipend to support the costs of travel and housing.

Goals

Awareness

Increase awareness of and access to core GME fellowships at Children’s National.

Opportunities

Provide educational opportunities and career development resources to build and sustain interest in pediatric subspecialties.

Mentorship

Establish high quality mentorship connecting residents with pediatric subspecialty faculty to support career exploration, advising and sponsorship.

Preparation

Strengthen path to pediatric subspecialty: Prepare residents to successfully pursue fellowship training and meet future workforce needs.

Access

Expand access to subspecialty exposure, mentorship and career development resources.

Rotations

Currently, we are offering visiting rotation opportunities for a select group of pediatric subspecialties. Current participating divisions include:

BRIDGE rotations for the 2026-2027 academic year will occur during one of the following four-week periods:

March 1-26, 2027
April 5-30, 2027

Please plan to participate in the four-week rotation. Reasonable flexibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis when compatible with rotation schedule and program requirements.

Application Timeline

Opens on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 9 a.m. E.T.
Closes on Sunday, November 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. E.T.
Scholars selected will be notified mid-December.
Onboarding begins mid-December.

Eligibility Criteria

The resident must be at least a second-year resident or higher and part of an active ACGME-accredited residency program.
The resident must be in good standing within a Pediatrics, Medicine-Pediatrics or other combined pediatrics residency program.
Due to federal restrictions, trainees requiring J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship are not eligible to participate in the BRIDGE Pathway Program.

How to Apply

Please plan to upload the following:

Curriculum vitae
Personal Statement (Max two pages). Please describe your career goals, interest in pediatric subspecialty fellowship training, how participation in the program will support your professional development and how your experiences and goals align with the mission and values of Children’s National.
Faculty Recommendation Letter (Max two pages) from a faculty member, preferably in the applicant’s intended subspecialty of interest, addressing the applicant’s career goals, readiness for fellowship exploration, anticipated benefits of program participation and suitability for the program.

Apply now

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the BRIDGE program, please email us.

Email us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can changes be made to the rotation dates or subspecialties offered?

Participants should plan to engage in the full four-week BRIDGE into Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowships experience. We recognize that scheduling conflicts may arise and reasonable flexibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis when compatible with rotation schedule and program requirements.

Currently we are only offering participation in the following subspecialties:

Adolescent Medicine
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Infectious Diseases
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Rheumatology

Can I submit a part of the application late?

Do visiting residents need a special license for completion of this rotation?

Do visiting residents need malpractice coverage?

What onboarding materials are required for participation in the visiting rotation?

Will housing be provided during the rotation?

No, participants are responsible for securing and covering the cost of their own housing accommodations during the four-week rotation.

Scholars are encouraged to begin identifying housing options early after acceptance into the program. Additional information about the Children’s National campus, free shuttle service and surrounding neighborhoods can be provided to assist participants in planning their stay.

Can I receive my stipend before the start of the rotation?

No, due to the required onboarding, payroll and administrative processing, stipend payments cannot be issued prior to the start of the rotation. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel, housing or other upfront expenses. All scholars will receive a $3,500 stipend, which is expected to be dispersed within the first two weeks of the rotation, following completion of the required onboarding process.