The Pediatrics Clerkship gives students an opportunity to experience many of the exciting aspects of Pediatric clinical medicine.

The goal of the Pediatric Clerkship is to equip students with 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.

The Pediatric Clerkship is an 8-week experience at  UVA,  Roanoke, Fairfax and\or  KCRC; consisting of exposure to pediatric inpatients, ambulatory pediatric patients, children with developmental problems and/or chronic diseases, including nutritional problems, babies in the newborn nursery, acutely ill children, and one or more pediatric subspecialty outpatient clinics. 

You will be working with excellent faculty and residents and we encourage you to take this opportunity to learn from them. They are a valuable resource to you.

William Wilson
Pediatric Clerkship Director

Goals & Objectives

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.

A)  Students should acquire knowledge regarding:

  1. preventive care in pediatrics,
  2. major pediatric disease entities,
  3. normal growth and development, and 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
  5. gain an understanding of the importance of ethical considerations in        pediatrics.

  

Dress & Decorum

  • Students are expected to dress neatly at all times.  T-shirts and jeans are not acceptable.  Men should always wear socks and ties.  Patients and their families deserve the courtesy and respect of having their physician neat and clean.  Students should always present themselves as medical students, not doctors.  Keep in mind that you are representing, not only yourselves, but the University, the School of Medicine , the Department of Pediatrics, and your chosen profession. 

 

  • Please remember that patients and families have serious concerns about their illnesses.  Joking and laughing on rounds may be misinterpreted as being directed toward them personally.  Adults should never be addressed by their first names.  There are usually many visitors, family members, etc. on the pediatric inpatient units.  Discussions of patients and their problems should be conducted in a confidential manner.  Try to think of how you would want yourself or a relative to be treated, were you in a similar situation. "Professional behaviors", including attendance, participation, responsibility, professional interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and attitudes will be considered when determining grades on the clinical rotations.