Medical Student Programs
You are encouraged to come to Phoenix to complete a Senior Elective in Pediatrics and learn more about our Pediatric Residency Program. To learn more about each elective, click on the elective title below.
Students applying must have successfully completed a six to eight week core pediatric rotation in an approved allopathic clerkship program or its equivalent. You will need to submit the following information: A letter from your Medical School verifying completion of the above prerequisites, proof of liability insurance coverage, and your immunization record.
To download our application, click on the link below:
APPLICATION FOR STUDENT ROTATION
To apply and for more information, contact:
Courtney A. Albers
Student Program Coordinator
Medical Education
Phoenix Children's Hospital
1919 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 546-0764
Fax: (602) 546-0806
KidsLink Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered September - May
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship. Medical students must have consent of Course Director before registering.
Goals: Gain clinical skills in history and physical examinations in a clinical setting. Improve skills in diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses in an outpatient setting. To learn cost effective outpatient care.
Format: Outpatient pediatric experience with direct attending supervision and working closely with residents.
Evaluation Methods: Clinical performance and review of written records.
Drs. E. Benjamin, Ricardi, Bunch, Kando (602) 546-0764
2-4 wks; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: To understand basic child-adolescent behavioral syndromes through assessment process and to become familiar with treatment.
Format: The student will observe and participate in the outpatient pediatric psychiatry clinics, i.e., ADHD, Tourette's, bipolar, OCD, Autism spectrum; anxiety spectrum. Additionally, the student will be involved in the inpatient team assessment. The student should be able to do a basic screening of behavior problems. There is a formal weekly lecture series.
Evaluation Methods: The attending's written evaluation will be based upon the student's interest, motivation and assimilation of material through handouts, observation and discussion. The student will also be evaluated on his/her ability to interact with families and patients.
A. Papez (602) 546-0764
4 weeks only; offered year round
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: The goals and objectives for Pediatric Cardiology are competency-based, focusing on knowledge and skill attainment. The attitude and behavior necessary for knowledge and skill maintenance, as well as lifelong professional development, are an expectation for this rotation, as for all rotations.
The overall goal of this rotation is to provide a comprehensive program toward the recognition and management of major/common pediatric cardiology problems. Emphasis will be on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management principles of congenital and acquired heart disease in the young. Additional time will be spent on the understanding, recognition and management of pediatric cardiac rhythm disturbances and general cardiology issues.
More specifically, during this rotation the resident/student should become comfortable and competent in:
1. eliciting a thorough and accurate history and performing comprehensive cardiovascular examination of neonates, infants, children and adolescents
2. detecting significant heart disease
3. differentiating between functional and pathologic murmurs
4. basic interpretation of electrocardiograms
5. basic interpretation of chest x-rays
6. inpatient management of children with heart disease
7. long term management of children and their families with congenital heart disease
8. understanding the general pediatrician's role in diagnosis and management of congenital and acquired heart disease in the young, as well as when to refer to a subspecialist
Format: Residents/students will be exposed to as many cases as possible during their rotation.
Time will be spent at the Cambridge office, Children's Rehabilitation Services (CRS), and local outlying clinics. Residents/students are encouraged to take an active role in their education and focus on the aspects of pediatric cardiology they expect to utilize throughout their career. To that end, for residents/students exhibiting a special interest in pursuing pediatric cardiology or critical care fellowships, a more individualized rotation can be tailored to include time spent on the inpatient service, as well as exposure to the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories. The resident/student will be expected to do some independent reading and make brief, informal presentations on common conditions to which he/she will exposed over the course of the rotation. Attendance at the combined Cardiology/Cardiovascular Surgery Conference is expected.
Evaluation Methods: Residents/students will be evaluated on their participation in clinics and clinical activities, cardiac-focused history and physical exam skills, basic interpretation and integration of ancillary tests (ECG, CXR, catheterization reports, and echocardiograms), and the understanding and management of the pathophysiology of children with heart disease (all commiserate with their level of training). Residents/students are encouraged to seek feedback throughout the rotation on their performance. Likewise, residents/students are encouraged to give feedback to the attending physician or course coordinator periodically throughout the rotation to ensure that both the ACGME core competencies, as well the residents'/students' individual goals and objectives for this rotation are being met.
Dr. S. Zimmerman (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: To expose students to a broad variety of signs and symptoms that should prompt a non-accidental trauma investigation. Clinical teaching will focus on the identification and documentation of physical findings indicating possible abuse and/or neglect.
Format: Students will participate in consults, round on inpatients, observe multidisciplinary team meetings, read selected journal articles and chapters, participate in journal club, and complete a series of case studies that demonstrate common presentations of non-accidental injury. In addition, student may have the opportunity to "ride along" with CPS and observe courtroom testimony on a case by case basis.
Evaluation Methods: Based upon active participation in consults, direct observation by faculty, attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings, and completion of case studies.
Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisite: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: To expose students to a broad variety of pediatric medical and traumatic emergencies. Clinical teaching will focus on rapid evaluation and management of common primary care issues as well as serious illness and injury. Students will have ample opportunity to become proficient in standard pediatric procedures such as blood draws, starting IV's, bladder catherization, lumbar puncture, splinting, suturing, and endotracheal intubation.
Format: The students will work shifts in the emergency department under the direct supervision of faculty. In addition, students will have the opportunity to "ride along" with EMS and visit the Poison Control Center to get a different perspective on common injuries and illness presenting to emergency departments.
Evaluation Methods: Based upon clinical performance and attendance at the Department of Emergency Medicine didactic sessions.
Drs. K. Hasan, S. Kaufmann, M. Kabbani & L. Touger (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: The primary goal will be to provide the student an opportunity to understand how hormones interact to regulate normal linear growth and puberty. The student, after completion of the rotation, will be able to identify abnormalities of growth and puberty. The secondary goal will be to explore the pathophysiology of common endocrine disorders of childhood. These include type 1 and type 2 diabetes-mellitus, thyroid abnormalities and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Format: The student will evaluate patients primarily in the out-patient setting, but also have the opportunity to participate with consults and admission to the hospital.
Evaluation Methods:
1. Daily performance obtaining a history, laboratory results and other pertinent information as well as quality of physical examination of each patient will be evaluated.
2. Special project at the end of the elective, the student will have a chance to make a formal presentation of an interesting topic of clinical case.
3. In addition, the student will be evaluated on the degree and quality of individual study and intellectual curiosity.
Drs. M. Shub, K. Ingebo, G. Silber, E. Siaw & D. Ursea (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered January-November
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals:
1. Acquire knowledge into the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases in infants and children.
2. Improve skills in obtaining a subspecialty history and physical examination and data analysis while maintaining pediatric focus.
3. Develop skills in differential diagnosis, problem solving and decision making around pediatric gastroenterology patient and understanding specialized laboratory data.
Format: The student will participate in all aspects of the outpatient, inpatient, consultation and nutrition services under the supervision of the gastroenterologists. Major emphasis will be placed on diagnosis and management of various gastroenterologic and liver diseases in the pediatric patient. The student will be expected to observe diagnostic GI procedures, including upper and lower endoscopy. He or she will also be exposed to parenteral and enteral nutrition support. Student will be required to make an informal journal club presentation during the elective.
Evaluation Methods: The student will be evaluated by the faculty based on formal and informal presentations, knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases in infants and children and on the degree and quality of individual study and intellectual curiosity shown during the elective.
Drs. R. Adams, J. Boklan, M. Etzl, M. Henry, C. Knoll, D. Salzberg, M. Watanabe, T. Wood (602) 546-0764
4 or 6 wks; maximum length of 6 wks; offered year round (no students in July or August)
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: To train students to assess the pediatric patient with possible hematologic or oncologic problems and make appropriate management decisions.
Format: The experience will be outpatient-based, but the experience can be tailored to the individual interests of the student, including the inpatient service and consultations. Students will be expected to attend weekly general tumor board, brain tumor board, and division academic conferences.
Evaluation Methods: Students will be given a topic to discuss as an informal talk at the end of the rotation. Students will be evaluated based on their level of initiative and knowledge gained during the rotation.
KidsLink Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care / Sub-Internship
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship. Medical students must have consent of Course Director before registering.
Goals:
1. Gain more experience in the care of hospitalized children.
2. Increase knowledge of basic pathophysiologic processes as they relate to children.
3. Refine skills of data gathering and problem solving.
4. Obtain skill in performing physical exams on children.
Format:
1. Evaluation and care of patients admitted to general pediatric service. Responsibility will be commensurate with abilities and previous experiences. Night call will be included. You will work closely with residents.
2. Active participation in routine teaching sessions: ward rounds (attending and resident work rounds), clinical and X-ray conferences, grand rounds and sub-specialty conferences.
Evaluation Methods: Attainment of individual goals, improvement of problem-solving skills, patient presentations on rounds, observation of history and physical exams and review of written records.
Richard Engel, John Pope, Linda Heckler, Tamara Musso (480) 323-3160
4 weeks only; Oct-April
Directly Supervised/ Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: General Pediatrics 3rd year clerkship
Goals:
1. Learn more about the care of children in a community hospital setting staffed by Phoenix Children's Hospital Physicians.
2. Gain more experience with common inpatient pediatric conditions (e.g. croup, bronchiolitis, asthma, rotavirus, febrile infants, etc.) that affect otherwise healthy children
3. Obtain skill in performing physical exams on children
4. Refine skills of data gathering and problem solving
Format:
1. Evaluation and care of patients admitted to general pediatric service. Responsibility will be commensurate with abilities and previous experience. You will work closely with attendings. Night call will not be required
2. Active participation in largely informal teaching sessions, patient rounds, journal clubs and other small group learning activities.
Evaluation Methods: Attainment of individual goals, improvement of problem-solving skills, presentations on rounds and observation of history and physical exams, review of written records.
Drs. D. Holland, C. O'Malley, R. Christensen, M. Huddleston, S. Beaumont, T. Shaw, H. Bartz, S. Stimson (602) 546-0764
1 month; offered year round
Directly supervised by MedPeds Faculty
Maximum enrollment of 2 per month
Prerequisites: General Pediatrics & Internal Medicine LCME accredited clerkship
Goals: To provide hands on clinical experience in a diverse ambulatory clinic, and with additional special patient populations including Adolescents, Teen Moms, Children with Special Healthcare Needs, as well as the underinsured and homeless patient population.
Format: Students will work directly with Med/Peds Faculty and other Med/Peds residents in a variety of ambulatory settings providing patient-directed primary care to a diverse, under insured population of patients. Each student will complete a written case report and lead a 20 minute teaching session for Med/Peds residents during the month.
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated based upon the clinical competency they demonstrate during direct observation during the month regarding their medical knowledge, patient care, professionalism, interpersonal communication skills, systems-based practice, and practice-based learning and improvement. Fifteen percent of their grade will be based upon the scholarly activity component.
Drs. M. Shwer, G. Gutierrez & Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 or 6 wks; maximum length of 6 wks; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: The goals of this rotation are for the student to learn resuscitation of the newborn along with subsequent evaluation and management of the infant requiring intensive care support.
Format: The student will be included in the Intensive Care Nursery opportunities provided to the Pediatric house staff, including attendance at high risk deliveries and opportunities for neonatal resuscitation, history and physical exam of the newborn, and primary care responsibilities of infants admitted to the Intensive Care Nursery. Didactic lectures covering neonatal topics are provided three days per week. In addition, the student is encouraged to attend Pediatric Grand Rounds, which occur on a weekly basis. Besides teaching pertinent to the primary patient care occurs on a daily basis. Night call is required.
Evaluation Methods: Evaluation of the student will be based on a composite of the student's ability to perform resuscitative techniques and newborn physical examinations, as well as the student's ability to obtain and present patient histories, and formulate and present management plans for the infants under his / her care.
Drs. M. Joseph, & P.B. Morgenstern (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals:
1. Acquire knowledge in the physiology and pathophysiology of the kidney as it relates to kidney disease in children.
2. Acquire basic knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, hypertension and acid-base and electrolyte disturbances.
3. Gain a working knowledge of the functional development of the kidney in infants, children and adolescents.
Format:
1. Participate in the diagnosis and management of inpatients and outpatient with kidney and related problems.
2. Perform the initial evaluation of new patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
3. Participate in the methods and procedures performed in the renal metabolic laboratory.
4. Participate in daily format and informal discussions on pre-assigned topics relating to renal disease.
Evaluation Methods: Faculty evaluation based on individual performance, reading and industriousness.
A. Kaplan, M.D. & Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 or 6 wks; maximum length of 6 wks; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 1 (one student at each clinical site)
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: The objectives of this elective are to acquire a working knowledge of the differential diagnosis of the common neurological disorders of children and to learn the techniques of neurological examination in the pediatric age group.
Format: The in- and out-patient facilities at Phoenix Children's Hospital, and Maricopa Integrated Health System, Phoenix, will be utilized. Daily ward rounds, evaluation of neurological consults, weekly clinics, seminars and frequent informal teaching contact with Dr. Kaplan and other neuro attending staff, forms the basis of the elective. Exposure to interpretation of newer imaging techniques, such as MRI, PET, CT, and EEG scans in children, is provided.
Evaluation Methods: Students will be evaluated on how well they achieve stated objectives. Evaluations are done by the preceptor's observations of ability to collect data, formulate a differential diagnosis and therapeutic plan and to perform outside reading as appropriate.
G. White, J. Karlen, J. Vaughn (602) 546-0764
4 weeks only; offered year round
Directly Supervised/Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Completion of third-year clerkships. NOTE: Completion of ORTH 810A (Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery) is a requirement for UA students applying to the University of Arizona Orthopaedic Residency Program.
Goals:
1. Demonstrate the ability to obtain an appropriate history in various clinical situations, both focused and complete.
2. Demonstrate the ability to elicit and recognize normal and abnormal physical examination findings.
3. On the basis of patient assessments demonstrate the ability to formulate appropriate evaluation and management plans including choice of diagnostic laboratory and imaging tests and recommendations for treatment. These skills are expected to approximate those of a junior resident by the conclusion of the elective.
4. Demonstrate an increasing competence in the ability to interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic images.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of orthopaedic splinting and casting procedures and the ability to competently apply extremity splints.
6. Demonstrate appropriate skills in searching, reviewing, evaluating and applying information in the medical literature
7. Demonstrate the ability to work as an effective member of an orthopaedic team:
a. In showing initiative
b. In communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
c. In recognizing personal limitations and knowing when to ask for help.
8. Always behave in an appropriately professional manner:
a. Showing respect for everyone
b. Recognizing and respecting cultural differences
c. Maintaining an ethical code of conduct appropriate to a physician
Format: Students with spend time at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Children's Rehabilitation Services (CRS), and local outside clinics. The student will function in the role of an acting intern, take histories and perform physical exams, participate in the pediatric orthopaedic call schedule, have in-patient responsibilities, and participate in emergency and elective operative procedures as either an observer or assistant. Outside reading is expected with completion of reading Staheli's Pediatric Othopaedics ,and Rang's Pediatric Fracture texts provided during the rotation. Students are expected to attend teaching and clinical conferences.
Evaluation Methods: Observation of physical diagnostic skills, ACGME core competencies, and questioning during course. A pediatric orthopaedic topic will be decided upon by the student and faculty early in the elective and a presentation/discussion will be expected at the completion of the course. A pre- and post-rotation learning map will guide student education during the rotation. Students are expected to keep a log or portfolio of their pediatric activities.
Drs. PS Dickman and D Carpentieri (602) 546-0764
4 wks, maximum of 8 wks; offered year round
Not directly supervised / Patient care. Prior approval.
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Completion of third year clerkships
Objectives/Goals: The elective in pediatric anatomic and clinical pathology offers the senior medical student in-depth exposure to pediatric surgical pathology, cytopathology, and autopsy pathology. Various aspects of the clinical laboratory may be experienced, including hematopathology, microbiology, transfusion medicine, and clinical chemistry. Students will directly participate in gross and microscopic surgical pathology, intra operative consultations, gross and microscopic autopsy examination, and microscopic examination and flow cytometry of bone marrow. At the end of the elective the student will understand the activities involved in pediatric pathology and will have gained a basic knowledge of diagnostic pediatric anatomic pathology.
Format: Students observe procedures and tests, interpretation, and interaction with pediatric clinicians. Clinical conference attendance is required, including pediatric oncology tumor board, brain tumor conference, and gastroenterology conference. Students are expected to read relevant published material related to cases and specimens encountered in the laboratory.
Dr. Elizabeth Zorn & Faculty (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Directly supervised / Patient care
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: The student will be acquainted with the general principles of pediatric critical care medicine including:
1. The initial stabilization of the critically ill and injured child
2. recognition and management of neurologic emergencies
3. Management of the post-op cardiac patient
4. Priorities in the management of children with immersion injuries
5. Priorities and management of children with multiple trauma
6. Appreciation of the ethical issues surrounding the critically ill and injured child.
Format:
1. Direct patient care for one or two patients under the supervision of the Critical Care faculty
2. Daily attending rounds
3. Continuous direct informal attending contact in the patient care setting.
Evaluation Methods: Direct observation by faculty physicians and house staff with written evaluations discussed with the medical student. The medical student evaluates the faculty, house staff and rotation experience.
Drs. P. Stillwell, (Section Chief), Radford, Gong, Woodward, & O'Hagan (602) 546-0764
4 wks only; offered year round
Not directly supervised / Patient care. Prior approval.
Maximum enrollment of 1
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals: To introduce the student to a wide spectrum of Pediatric lung disease, from simple to complex, spanning the ages from newborn to late adolescent. To work within a multi-disciplinary team evaluating and managing many disease processes including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, asthma, sleep disordered breathing, and chronic respiratory failure. To become familiar with pulmonary function testing, flexible bronchoscopy, and sleep studies. To learn appropriate inhaled medication delivery techniques.
Format: Predominately outpatient clinics. Inpatient experience available but not mandated. No night or weekend obligation. Case-based discussion regarding pulmonary diseases. Extensive current review article or position statement provided.
Evaluation Methods: Written evaluation forms by the faculty.
Grace Caputo (602) 546-0764
4 weeks only; offered year round
Maximum enrollment of 2
Prerequisites: Pediatric clerkship
Goals:
To provide pediatric urgent care in an acute care setting. In doing so, the student physician should learn the following:
1. To perform focused pediatric histories and physical exams
2. To differentiate between patients needing minor care for acute illnesses vs. a higher level of specialty care
3. To repair simple lacerations (dermabond, staples, etc.)
4. To perform uncomplicated procedures such as
· Foreign body removal (ear, nose)
· Incision and drainage of abscess
· Splinting simple fractures of the extremities
· Venipuncture and IV starts
· Urine catheterization
Format: 16 eight hour shifts per elective month at Phoenix Children's Hospital ED/urgent care
Evaluation Methods:
1. Direct observation by the precepting attending physician
2. Review of patient care log
3. Case presentation
4. Feedback at the end of rotation
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