Child Abuse Pediatrics. 4 Credit Hours

Catalog description

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.