The WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s pediatric residents hail from across the country and the globe. Still, they cite a common motivation for pursuing a career in pediatrics: the fulfillment that comes from taking care of children in need. The amenities of living and working in the city of Spokane are just a bonus.
“When I thought about what I wanted my life and career to look like, the choice was easy,” said second-year resident McKenna Skinner, DO. “It brings me so much joy to work with children and see them bounce back from whatever illness or situation is thrown their way.”
The college’s Pediatric Residency Program, a partnership with Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, is growing despite a nationwide trend of declining interest in pediatrics. While 150 pediatric residency seats went unfilled in this year’s match, WSU’s program has brought 11 new pediatricians in training to Spokane since welcoming its first class in 2024.
Having a pediatric residency in Spokane is key to attracting physicians to where they’re needed most, said Program Director Chris Rocholl, MD, noting that eastern Washington has half as many pediatricians per capita as western Washington.
For second-year resident Lindsey Klein, DO, the program provided the perfect opportunity to continue her medical training in her home state.
“As a lifelong Washingtonian, it was a major goal of mine to be able to give back to the communities that raised me,” Klein said. “I was also excited to join a new program where I could help shape a productive and inclusive culture.”
Residents cite how the program’s close-knit and supportive culture stood out to them, including attending physicians’ genuine commitment to each resident’s success.
“What stands out most is how invested everyone is in our growth. From day one, the attendings have been incredibly supportive—not just of our clinical development, but also of our individual goals,” said second-year resident Parvin Uddin, MD.
Training in Spokane also offers unique advantages. As a regional health care hub, the city’s large catchment area encompasses neighboring rural counties and allows residents to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of cases. The city’s urban amenities and proximity to nature have also been a boon for residents.
“Spokane has been a great place to live—I love experiencing all four seasons and the outdoor activities that come with them,” Uddin said.
Access to the outdoors is one of many things that first attracted Rocholl to the area 20 years ago.
“Spokane has it all,” he said, citing good local schools and airport access. “We have an amazing medical community, and we want our residents to know that there is a home for them here.”