Resident Life

The best environment for resident education is one in which residents feel as comfortable learning from each other as they do from the faculty.

We seek residents who have demonstrated excellent communication skills and teamwork throughout medical school. As a result, our residents enjoy working together, spending time together outside of the hospital, and sharing unforgettable memories. These are friendships that last.

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, was founded in 1682 by William Penn and was originally the nation’s capitol. In addition to its historical sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the city offers a wide range of cultural activities, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music, Pennsylvania Ballet…

…Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Wilma Theater, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Music, Walnut Street Theatre (the oldest continuously running theatre in the United States opening its doors in 1809)…

…and many other outstanding theaters, art galleries, and museums. Philadelphia is a fun place to live and keeps turning up on top places to visit.

Philly has numerous neighborhoods that are all surprisingly affordable. Video tours of different Philly neighborhoods by our residents can be found on our Residency Instagram.

If you have one day...

Spend the morning running or biking on the Schuylkill River Trail, named Best Urban Trail in the Nation by USA Today. Check out the Mutter Museum’s collection of medical oddities, anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical equipment. Spend the afternoon shopping at the historic Reading Terminal Market or lounging at one of the many pop-up beer gardens. For dinner, visit one of Philadelphia’s renowned restaurants. One option is to visit a headline spot from our celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, such as Stephen Starr, Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov (2017 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef), or Philadelphia’s own Iron Chef, Jose Garces. Alternatively, choose from the dozens of hidden gems, including Philadelphia’s unique selection of outstanding and inexpensive BYO locations.

Where Residents Live

Philadelphia has a great diversity of neighborhoods, each with its own special character and charm. Residents choose to live around the city, all within an easy commute to the Hospitals. Center City is a location, composed of a collection of neighborhoods in downtown Philadelphia. The high concentration of young professionals and great variety of restaurants, nightlife, and cultural activities make it a great choice for residents. The proximity to both the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital allows residents to walk or ride their bikes to work. Others prefer the convenience of living close to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Presbyterian Medical Center by living in University City/West Philadelphia. For those who prefer a suburban lifestyle, the Main Line and Delaware County in the Pennsylvania suburbs, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey are a short daily commute to the University.

Getting Around

If you live in the city, you do not need a car. Philadelphia is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly cities in America. During inclement weather, all residents can take advantage of a hospital-issued, unlimited-ride public transportation pass within the city limits. If you have a car, Philadelphia is an easy city to drive with less traffic than similar east or west coast metropolitan areas. Street parking is available for most neighborhood residents. Parking at UPHS Hospitals is not routinely provided but can be obtained for trainees who are interested in paying for monthly parking.