PED - 861 Child Abuse and Neglect

Students doing this elective will work one-on-one with the attending physicians and Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellow in the Division of Child Protective Services at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and will actively participate in the work-up, management, and follow-up care of children suspected of being maltreated. Students can expect to learn medical aspects of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Neglect (including Failure to Thrive). Students will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in the developmental evaluations of patients and in the psychosocial evaluations of patients and their families. Students also attend and provide care in the weekly comprehensive follow-up clinic for abused and neglected children, and will also attend the Medical Clinic at the ChildrenÂ”s Advocacy Center. In addition to participating in the clinical work-up of suspected abuse/neglect, students will learn about the role of the physician as advocate for the child within the Child Welfare and Legal Systems and will learn about the physicianÂ”s role in coordinating multidisciplinary care for high risk patients and their families. There is required reading for the elective and students will be expected to attend lectures, present cases during rounds and weekly multidisciplinary patient staffings, and do a short educational presentation. Elective