Pediatrics

Clerkship Contacts:

Clerkship Director:

Clerkship Administrator:

Clerkship Goals and Objectives 

Medical Knowledge – After completing this rotation, the student will:

• Understand the scope of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral knowledge needed by a physician caring for children; demonstrate the ability to acquire, critically interpret and apply this knowledge in pediatric patient care.
• Interpret common diagnostic tests and procedures used to evaluate patients who present with common symptoms and diagnoses encountered in the practice of pediatrics.
• Define, describe and discuss vaccines and vaccination schedules recommended from birth through adolescence.  Identify and counsel patients whose immunizations are delayed.
• Demonstrate understanding of common procedures, including indications, procedure, risks, and interpretation of results.

Patient Care – After completing this rotation, the student will be able to:

• Perform, document and present in standard format thorough and systematic, comprehensive histories and physical examinations of newborns, infants, toddlers, preschool aged children, school aged children and adolescents.
• Synthesize clinical data into problem lists and differential diagnoses and formulate initial and ongoing therapeutic plan of care for patients with common pediatric problems.
• Provide family centered pediatric care that is developmentally and age appropriate, compassionate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health by gathering essential and accurate information using the following clinical skills: medical interviewing, physical examination, interpretation of diagnostic studies and developmental assessments, provision of preventive services and anticipatory guidance.
• Discuss the effects of societal problems (domestic abuse, child abuse, teen pregnancy, high school dropout rates, substance abuse…) on the health and well-being of children including screening, evaluation and management strategies for affected patients and their families.
• Describe or demonstrate and document required technical and procedural skills as listed in Pediatric Checklist.

Systems-Based Practice – After completing this rotation, the student will be able to:

• Define, describe and discuss the role and contribution of each healthcare team member to the care of the patient.
• Take the appropriate degree of responsibility at the medical student level to recognize system flaws in the delivery of care; prevent medical errors and ensure patient safety.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement – After completing this rotation, the student will be able to:

• Generate answerable clinical questions and use information technology to gather information and support decision‐making and patient management in pediatrics and    discuss process and results with clinical team.
• Apply evidence based principles to compare and contrast available treatment options with regard to efficacy, risk, benefit, and cost‐effectiveness.
• Recognize when it is appropriate to utilize other community and healthcare professionals and programs in the diagnosis or treatment of patients.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills – After completing this rotation, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to provide patient centered care with compassion, and respect to all patients and their families, regardless of medical diagnosis, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, intellect/level of education, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ability to pay, or cultural background.

Professionalism – After completing this rotation, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to diversity.
• Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to ethical principles including patient confidentiality and informed consent.

View M.D. Program Objectives…

Patient Type and Clinical Conditions: