About the Program
The Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine is a fully accredited pediatric residency program. Residents will spend three years in Houston and an additional year at an international assignment primarily caring for children with HIV, malnutrition, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious diseases.
Partnered with Texas Children’s Global Health Network, the program is an ideal platform to provide residents meaningful experiences in global child health. The network was created by Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) in 1999 to catalyze pediatric and family HIV care and treatment and health professional training. The network continues to be one of the largest providers of pediatric HIV care and treatment in the world. The scope of the network has expanded to include other maternal and child health services and provides care and treatment to more than 365,000 patients.
Our goals are to prepare residents to address the critical need for lifesaving pediatric health care, pediatric education and training, clinical research and child advocacy in resource-limited settings and to prepare residents for leadership roles in health care delivery for the underserved globally. Our Pediatric Board pass rate for the Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatric Residents is 100 percent, according to the American Board of Pediatrics.
Message from the Chief Resident
Welcome to the Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine!
I am thrilled to introduce you to our one-of-a kind program—the only residency in the nation that offers a yearlong international training experience in pediatric global health! Whether you're a seasoned global health advocate or just beginning to explore this rewarding field, our program provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn how to deliver care in a range of settings. Through the Texas Children’s Global Health Network, our residents immerse themselves in sites such as Malawi, Uganda, Botswana, and Colombia. Here, they tackle a range of challenging conditions such as malaria, oncologic pathologies, malnutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis in a variety of settings including inpatient wards, outpatient HIV clinics, newborn units, and emergency department settings. But beyond treating these diseases, they gain invaluable insights into the complexities of healthcare delivery, all while building lasting relationships with the communities they serve. Graduates of our program leave with a rich perspective and skill set that have empowered them to make significant impacts at organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of my favorite aspects of the program is that the global exposure extends far beyond our international sites! Houston’s vibrant and diverse population allows us to cultivate a global perspective within a local context. Here, we develop essential skills in effective communication, advocacy, and cultural competency, connecting with patients from various backgrounds. Additionally, our quarterly journal clubs and academic sessions offer residents the chance to learn from renowned faculty and discuss the latest topics in global health. I am so grateful that our system attracts so many passionate individuals dedicated to global health and advocacy. It gives us the unique opportunity to engage directly with them and benefit from their mentorship!
On a personal note, being part of this program has been profoundly rewarding. I have found a close-knit family in my fellow residents, who share a passion for global health. This camaraderie, within the largest pediatric residency program, has been so special to me. I’m excited to see how our community continues to grow and welcome you to our program!
Neha Dhawan, M.D., M.P.H.
Global Health Chief Resident 2024-2025
