INTRODUCTION: Graduate profile assessment is a useful means of investigating the synchronicity between training provided and professional demand. OBJECTIVES: To review, by means of a standardized questionnaire, the professional profile of graduates from the Paediatric Medical Residency program of FMUSP in the period 1997-2008 and the compatibility of that profile with medical practice in the community. METHODS: The email addresses of 297/446 graduates were located; 150 responded to the survey, following informed consent. RESULTS: 126/150 respondents were female, average age 31.9 ± 2.8 years, 61.3% from São Paulo state (SP), 64% worked professionally in SP. Graduates from the North, Northeast and Central-West regions established their careers in SP. The choice of paediatric medicine was related to affection for children, preference for working with children and the general nature of the speciality. The internships considered to be of most importance for professional practice were in the area of emergency medicine, neonatal care, general paediatric units and paediatric specialities. Extending the paediatric medical residency to three years was approved by 72%; 66% of whom wished for greater contact with paediatric specialities; 78% considered themselves professionally fulfilled and 22% partially fulfilled in virtue of earning less than expected or due to lack of academic qualification; 54% worked in a teaching capacity, primarily in the public sector. Future expectations related mainly to starting/completing graduate studies, professional improvement/recognition and higher earnings, with a focus on private practice. CONCLUSIONS: The graduates suggest more solid training in paediatric specialities and display a trend of settling in SP, and not returning to their home state.