PED - 861 Child Abuse and Neglect

In this course students work one-on-one with the attending physicians in the Division of Child Protective Services at Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and 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 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 attend and provide care in the weekly comprehensive follow-up clinic for abused and neglected children and also attend the medical clinic at the Children’s Advocacy Center. In addition to participating in the clinical work-up of suspected abuse/neglect, students learn about the role of the physician as advocate for the child within the Child Welfare and Legal Systems and learn about the physician’s role in coordinating multidisciplinary care for high risk patients and their families. There is required reading and students are expected to attend lectures and present cases during rounds and weekly multidisciplinary patient staffing. Prerequisite: PED-701. Offered: fall, spring and summer. Retake Counts for Credit: Yes. Credit(s): 4