The size of the program permits flexibility in training and scheduling. Every effort is made to adapt the standard schedule in order to meet the educational and career objectives of each resident. The large size of the program also allows residents to attend national meetings, to present their work at pediatric and subspecialty meetings, to serve on national committees (AAP, AMA, etc), to pursue international experiences, to participate in the three research tracks, to take a year off to pursue other training, and to focus on subspecialty training during part of the senior year. Finally, size allows for flexibility with family issues, including maternity and paternity leave, leaves for illness or family emergencies, and occasionally for part-time schedules (for personal or academic reasons).