Pediatrics (PEDI)

PEDI 3005. Pediatrics Clerkship. 6 Credit Hours.

This third-year pediatric clerkship addresses issues unique to childhood and adolescence by focusing on human developmental biology, and by emphasizing the impact of family, community, and society on child health and well-being. Additionally, the clerkship focuses on the impact of disease and its treatment on the developing human, and emphasizes growth and development, principles of health supervision, and recognition of common health problems. The role of the pediatrician in prevention of disease and injury and the importance of collaboration between the pediatrician and other health professionals in stressed. During this clerkship, students spend time working in outpatient and inpatient settings.

PEDI 4000. Special Topic. 4 Credit Hours.

This is a self-designed course created by both the student and the department to cover a specific topic. A Course Approval Form must be completed along with documentation of the designed course description.

PEDI 4003. General Pediatrics Selective. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the General Pediatrics Selective is to teach medical students the knowledge and skills to understand human growth and development and its clinical application from infancy through adolescence; to take a complete, accurate, and culturally-sensitive history from children and their families; and to perform complete and problem-focused physical examinations of infants, children and adolescents for common acute and chronic pediatric illnesses. Students will communicate effectively in written and oral form with physicians, patient families, and clinic staff; describe the influence of family, community, and society on child health and disease; incorporate strategies for health promotion and injury prevention into patient care; and refer to and coordinate care with sub-specialists and community agencies. Students will interpret common radiologic studies and perform office-based diagnostic tests and minor procedures. Students will be expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the General Pediatrics team, patients, and families. Students work Monday-Friday with faculty and residents in an academic clinic primarily in the acute care setting.

PEDI 4006. Pediatric Cardiology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Cardiology Selective is to improve the student's understanding of the pathophysiology and management of pediatric and congenital heart diseases. Clinical skills in cardiac auscultation, EKG interpretation, and chest x-ray interpretation will be emphasized primarily in the outpatient setting. The student will observe noninvasive techniques in diagnosis such as echocardiography and invasive procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The student will participate in didactic instruction and online materials to improve knowledge and skills. The student is expected to research a cardiology topic during the rotation, and give a presentation on findings to the group at the end of the rotation. Student learning will be further enhanced by participation in weekly multidisciplinary patient management conferences. The student will be expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pediatric Cardiology care team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4009. Pediatric Gastroenterology/Nutrition. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Selective is to increase the knowledge and skills of students in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional disorders of children. Clinical teaching activity takes place in the inpatient setting, with opportunities to follow patients in the outpatient setting. The student will actively participate in evaluating and managing patients including observing endoscopy and other procedures if necessary. Required reading and discussion of study material with faculty will be expected. The student will participate in didactic sessions to enhance learning of common diagnoses. The student will be expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pediatric Gastroenterology team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4013. Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Selective is to develop knowledge and skills in diagnostic evaluation, therapy, and follow-up of hematology/oncology patients. Clinical activities will take place primarily in the outpatient setting. This is an opportunity for experience in blood and bone marrow morphological diagnosis, in techniques for bone marrow aspiration, and in administration of intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy. The student will work with a multidisciplinary team to meet the complex psychosocial needs of this patient population. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology team, patients, and families. Pediatric Clerkship is required prior to taking this course.

PEDI 4016. Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, And Infectious Diseases. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of this Selective is to develop student skills in clinical and laboratory evaluation of hypersensitivity, infection, immunity, and inflammation, and in the management of allergic disease, infectious disease, primary and secondary immune deficiencies, rheumatologic conditions, and associated complicated complications. The scope of infectious diseases typically encountered includes community and hospital acquired infections, including post-surgical infections, infections in cancer and transplant patients, and HIV-infected children. The student will participate in outpatient clinics and inpatient consultations. The student will spend time in the laboratory covering bacteriology, virology, mycology, flow cytometry, and HLA typing. Scheduled conferences include weekly Case Management which will include presentation of patient cases to the faculty and care team. The student is expected to research a pertinent topic during the rotation and give a presentation on findings to the group at the end of the rotation. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pediatric infectious Disease, Allergy, and Immunology teams, patients, and families.

PEDI 4018. Child Neurology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Child Neurology Selective is to develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage children with neurologic disorders. The student will distinguish normal from abnormal neurologic development; perform a skillful neurologic history and exam to distinguish normal from abnormal findings, peripheral from central nervous system lesions, and static from progressive neurologic dysfunction; identify temporary vs. chronic progressive neurological dysfunction; and recognize and manage neurological disorders that generally require referral. Students will be able to discuss the indications, side effects, and mode of action of commonly used medications in pediatric neurology; the indications for complex or expensive neurologic testing; and the pediatrician's role in prevention of neurologic disorders in children. Patient activity is primarily in the outpatient setting, but students will participate in consultations and care of select inpatients. Students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team members of the Pediatric Neurology care team, patient, and families.

PEDI 4020. Pediatric Endocrinology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Endocrinology Selective is to develop the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage disorders of thyroid/parathyroid, adrenal/gonad, growth (including hypopituitarism), and carbohydrate metabolism (including diabetes mellitus). Most patient care activity occurs in the outpatient setting with clinics focused on either diabetes (type 1, type 2, medial diabetes) or endocrine issues. Students will explain how to use a glucometer and insulin pump and how to perform growth and puberty stimulation tests. Directed reading is provided, and the patients are reviewed and the pertinent literature discussed at regularly scheduled conferences. Each student will present one interesting case at a weekly Case Conference. Students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pediatric Endocrinology team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4023. Neonatology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of Neonatology Selective is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and manage preterm and term infants requiring intensive care. Students will work neonatologists and their staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and participate as a member of the neonatal response team in attending high-risk deliveries and admitting babies to the NICU. All aspects of the medical and nursing care of the high-risk or fragile newborn will be open to the student for study. The student is expected to function at the level of a sub-intern. The student will also be encouraged to participate in the support and instruction of families and gain understanding of "life beyond the NICU" for these special babies. The preceptor will guide the student in selecting appropriate reading to enhance the experiential component of the selective. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the neonatal team, patients and families. Weekend and night call schedules are integrated with those of the pediatric house staff. Students will work 6 days/week with 1 day off. As the 4th weekend is off, this translates to 3 days off during the rotation. These 3 days may be used for interviews; additional days off for interviewing should not be expected.

PEDI 4027. Pediatric Genetics. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Genetics Selective is to develop student knowledge and skills in diagnosing and developing management plans for children with single gene disorders, chromosome abnormalities, multiple congenital anomalies, metabolic disorders, teratogenic exposures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism. Most patient activity is in the outpatient setting, but students will participate in inpatient consultations. Patient encounters range from 45 minutes to 2 hours in length depending on the patient and the chief concerns. Students will participate in multidisciplinary clinics, including craniofacial anomalies clinic. Training in differential diagnosis includes use of online genetics databases and resources. Students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Genetics team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4029. Pediatric Pulmonology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Pulmonary Selective is to develop the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage common pediatric pulmonary disorders. The emphasis will be on how to obtain pertinent history, the recognition of physical signs of pulmonary diseases, CXR, and blood gas evaluation, and the critical assessment of the data gathered. Students will participate in outpatient pulmonary clinics, including cystic fibrosis and asthma clinics, and will follow pediatric inpatients with pulmonary disorders. The practice of evidence-based medicine will be emphasized. Regularly scheduled didactic sessions will expand on topics encountered in patient care. Students are expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Pulmonary team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4031. Pediatric Nephrology. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Nephrology Selective is to develop skills in diagnosis and management of common renal disorders in children as well as significant participation in the management of dialysis and kidney transplant patients. The student will learn the essential concepts in the pathophysiology and management of fluid and electrolytes and acid base disturbances. Most patient care activity occurs in the outpatient setting, but students will also participate in the management of inpatients. The student will learn histopathology of renal diseases through reviewing biopsies with pathologists. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Renal team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4036. Pediatric Critical Care. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Critical Care Selective is to develop the skills needed to evaluate and manage critically ill infants and children with medical and surgical diagnoses. The student will actively participate in a multidisciplinary team in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Students will enhance their knowledge and skills in invasive procedures, principles of mechanical ventilation, principles of resuscitation, pharmacology of critical care, and the pathophysiology of these diseases. The student will serve as a sub-intern, participating in daily rounds with the attending pediatric faculty. Directed reading and didactic materials will be provided. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Critical care team, patients, and families.

PEDI 4039. Child Abuse Pediatrics. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Child Abuse Pediatric Selective is to increase the student's awareness that maltreatment is a common cause of many acute, delayed, and chronic physical and mental health conditions. The student will recognize demographic risk factors, but will see child abuse as a medical diagnosis made by the history and physical examination. The student will learn the history and physical exam necessary to evaluate concerns for injury and neglect and document in the correct medico-legal format. The student will learn the reporting mandate, and know how to report to the appropriate agency(s). The student will understand that abuse and neglect have immediate, short term, intermediate term, and long term effects that extend out into adulthood. Most patient care activity occurs in the outpatient setting, but the student may participate in emergency room and inpatient consults. The student will participate in staffing with CPS and other investigators and may have the opportunity to observe court hearings. The student is expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Child Abuse Pediatrics team, CPS investigators, patients, and families.

PEDI 4040. Inpatient Pediatrics. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Inpatient Pediatrics Selective is to prepare the student for pediatric inpatient wards during residency by enhancing knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and manage basic inpatient pediatric diseases as well as improving clinical skills such as oral and written case presentation, physical examination, hand-offs, and incorporating evidence-based medicine into clinical practice. The student will demonstrate knowledge of procedure skills including but not limited to conscious sedation, incision and drainage, and lumbar puncture. The student will function at the level of a sub-intern. The student will participate in the care of inpatients, small-group didactics, an online clinical reasoning skills module, and various organized educational activities. The student will also be expected to spend two weeks in nursery focused on teaching 3rd year medicals students and the evaluation and management of newborns. The portion of the rotation spend on the inpatient floor will require flexibility in scheduling with some night softs possible given the current variability in patient volume. The student will demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the Inpatient Pediatrics team, patients, and families and recognize the importance of working as a highly-effective team to deliver safe, efficient, care. Students must have completed all core clerkships.

PEDI 4074. AHEC Clinic Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the AHEC Clinic Experience Elective are to provide medical students with the knowledge and skills to understand human growth and development and its clinical application from infancy through adolescence; take a complete, accurate, and culturally-sensitive history from children and their families; and perform complete and problem-focused physical examinations of infants, children and adolescents for common acute and chronic pediatric illnesses. The student will interpret common radiologic studies and perform office-based diagnostic tests. Under the auspices of the UTHSCSA AHEC Program, this experience exposes students to the primary care of ambulatory patients at various AHEC clinical training sites in South Texas. Under the direct supervision of a Board Certified General Pediatrician, the student serves as the initial physician in the evaluation and management of a wide array of outpatient problems. This clinic experience may include associated inpatient experience, depending on the patient responsibilities of the physician. The student will be expected to demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the pediatric team, patient and families. Information about training sites may be found on the AHEC websites: https://stahec.uthscsa.edu/. Student must first receive permission from the Department of Pediatrics before contacting the AHEC Office (567-7819). Application must be made 6-8 weeks in advance of the date on which you want to start the rotation. Once the rotation is confirmed by the AHEC Office, the student will be given electric permission to go online and register for the course. On or before the first day of the rotation, the student will need to meet with Administrative Associate at the Center of South Texas Programs/AHEC Office (567-7819).

PEDI 4100. Nutrition Readiness For Internship. 0.5 Credit Hours.

This course will consist of four two-hour sessions that cover a variety of clinically oriented discussions and practical points of value to new interns. Topics are modified annually to cater for every year participants' areas of interest and upcoming internship. Reading material about topics of discussion will be distributed to students to review before the class to insure maximal participation in team based learning style. Topics to be covered: nutritional care of the surgical patient and TPN, nutrition in pregnancy, nutrition in special situations such as brain injury, encephalopathy, renal and liver disease, enteral nutrition and nutritional rehabilitation in growth and intestinal failure in short bowel patients.

PEDI 7000. Off Campus. 4 Credit Hours.

All off campus rotations must be approved by the designated faculty member prior to the beginning of the rotation (at least one week before the course begins). Credit will not be given for any rotation that has not been approved in advance. Required paperwork includes: "Course Approval" form, a written letter or email for acceptance form the physician preceptor with the start and end dates of the course/rotation, and a course description of your learning objectives and responsibilities during the rotation. Forms must include a complete address and telephone number for the off campus location or residence address for the student while at the off campus site. Forms will not be approved after the rotation has already begun. Contact the department for assistance with enrolling in this course.

PEDI 7002. Pediatric Developmental Disabilities. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Developmental Disabilities Elective is to develop the knowledge and skills needed to asses and interpret findings of developmental-behavioral assessments, understand the neurological and genetic work-up, and become familiar with community resources for special needs children. The student will have the opportunity to participate in the developmental, neurological, and genetic evaluation of children with developmental-behavioral disabilities. Common developmental-behavioral disabilities encountered in this rotation may include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability (formerly Mental Retardation), Learning Disabilities, Neural Tube Defects, and Cerebral Palsy. Patient care activity takes place in the outpatient setting. Students will also participate in key community site visits. In addition to core didactic sessions, students will have independent readings that complement their clinical activities. For electives occurring in June, July and August, the student will spend 1 week at Camp CAMP (Children's Association for Maximum Potential), a summer camp in the Texas Hill Country for children with a variety of disabilities. (All expenses are paid). Medical Students will be part of a medical team responsible for daily medical management of a "tribe" of children. The student must complete paperwork as required by Camp CAMP before attending.

PEDI 7012. Pediatric Community Preceptorship. 4 Credit Hours.

The goal of the Pediatric Community Preceptorship is to provide medical students with knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage patients found in the preceptor's practice; to understand the social, cultural, economic, and family forces which impact on the health status of children; and understand the community roles of the pediatrician, as a member of the health care team, and as an advocate for children. Students will actively participate in patient care in the office practice of board-certified pediatrician preceptors. Preceptorships are available with general pediatricians or with subspecialists. Preceptorship experience must be scheduled well in advance and may be 2 or 4 weeks in length, students must arrange to work with a preceptor before contacting the department for permission. All preceptors must have an adjunct faculty appointment with a medical school.