Pediatrics

General Overview: Pediatrics Medical Student Clerkship

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Students should acquire a basic fund of knowledge in Pediatrics and gain an understanding of the anatomic, developmental, physiologic, and psychological differences of children as they progress from the neonatal period through adolescence. Through our clerkship these skills and experiences are learned through a mixture of inpatient and outpatient rotations to better enhance the level and acuity of care needed to handle the pediatric population.

A. Students should acquire knowledge regarding:

1. Preventive care in pediatrics.
2. Major pediatric disease entities.
3. Normal growth and development, and its variations.
4. Use of the Pediatric medical literature and other sources of appropriate information.

 B. Students should develop skills in:

1. Obtaining, recording, and presenting pediatric histories and physical examinations.
2. Selecting appropriate diagnostic studies.
3. Interpreting laboratory, radiographic, and other data.
4. Applying their knowledge of the basic sciences and clinical medicine to clinical situations as they learn to develop diagnostic impressions, treatment plans.
5. Observing (and performing) commonly used pediatric procedures as appropriate opportunities arise.

 C. Finally, students are expected to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to establish good physician/patient relationships and present themselves as student doctors.
2. Become proficient in communicating with children and parents and with members of the health care team.
3. Appreciate the appropriateness of a child's behavior and the nature of family relationships.
4. Become comfortable in their role as a team member in the management of patients, and gain an understanding of the importance of ethical considerations in pediatrics.