Reflections on the pediatric chief residency.

The chief residency in pediatrics, with its variety of functions, can be both a rewarding and trying experience. The author conducted two surveys of pediatric chief residents, which were taken at the beginning and end of their terms, in order to gauge how various educational, interpersonal, and clinical factors changed in importance during the course of their residencies. From these findings and from his own personal experiences, the author offers ways to improve the quality of a chief resident's tenure.