Development of a model practice for pediatric residents. Economic and administrative considerations

A model pediatric residents' group practice which functions independently of the hospital administration and, to a large extent, of the university administration was developed for the specific purpose of training pediatric residents. During the second year of operation (1981), the residents' group practice met 91 per cent of all expenses, including faculty and resident salaries. The residents' group practice shares many characteristics of private practice (e.g., continuity of physician-patient relationship, appointment keeping, efficient patient flow, and physician participation in practice management). Through their involvement in the management of the practice, residents learn about socioeconomic aspects of pediatric practice and learn how to provide affordable primary care of high quality. Suggestions for developing similar models elsewhere are described.