General and Community Pediatrics Education

Faculty in the IU School of Medicine Division of General and Community Pediatrics provide training for medical students, residents, and health care providers, focusing on family-centered advocacy for patients, their families, and their communities. Nationally recognized education programs offered by this division are based at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. Residents and fellows interested in becoming physician scientists can take advantage of the department’s robust research programs.

Medical Student Training

The Department of Pediatrics Clerkship Program is approximately 7 ½ weeks. Fourth-year medical students considering a career in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Combined Pediatrics-Internal Medicine or other combined programs with Pediatrics, Dermatology, Child Psychiatry, Child Neurology or certain surgical specialties should consider taking one or more pediatric electives that provide clinical experience on an inpatient service.

Residency

The IU School of Medicine Pediatric Residency Program prepares clinicians for the wide range of pediatric diseases, conditions, and treatments in a supportive environment. Faculty is deeply committed to helping residents grow into outstanding pediatricians with sophisticated clinical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate. With 18 pediatric specialty divisions, the Department of Pediatrics offers residents a patient population that represents health and wellness visits to the most medically complex cases.

A great example of how general pediatrics faculty work with residents to contribute to patient education is our monthly podcast. The Kids Healthcast – A Pediatric Podcast for Parents has topics ranging from teen depression to helping children start school. Materials are archived for easy reference.

Annual Pediatric Conference

The Annual Riley Pediatric Conference is a two-day event that offers plenary presentations on the latest in pediatric health care issues as well as hot topics on various disciplines. Interactive lectures are featured each afternoon on a wide range of topics such as eating disorders, ophthalmology, sports injuries, high-risk newborn follow-up, family community resources, etc.

Community Resource Rooms and Networking Opportunities

The community resource rooms allow conference attendees to interface with community health organizations throughout the state of Indiana. Attendees learn about community based organizations that can provide support and assistance to Hoosier children, families and medical providers. Attendees are encouraged to network with other community pediatricians and share ideas.

Pediatric Practical Pearls

The Pediatric Practical Pearls seminars are held several times a year on a Saturday morning from 7:45 a.m.–12 p.m. These seminars are interactive, relaxed and designed for pediatricians, family practice physicians and others providing primary health care to children. The seminars review current scientific advances as they apply to physicians daily practices. Participants will advance their diagnostic and therapeutic skills through this practical, evidence-based review. The seminars are accredited through Continuing Education.