For Health Professionals

Innovative Education

Quality Improvement Curriculum

Residents learn the nuts and bolts of QI and get hands-on experience using the tools of QI to scientifically and systematically effect change, reduce medical errors, and improve patient care. The curriculum consists of interactive QI learning sessions during noon conference time, and hands-on experience during which residents work closely with a faculty mentor experienced in QI to devise and complete their own individual QI project.

Leadership Workshop

Chief residents lead this interactive workshop to prepare residents for leadership and supervisory roles as senior residents.

Communication Course

Small-group experiential learning focused on advanced communication skills in challenging situations. Resident practice skills in a safe environment and reflect on their own reactions to emotionally difficult interactions.

Procedure Course for Interns

Simulation-based training in procedural skills such as:

Lumbar puncture
IV insertion
Bladder catheterization
Tracheostomy management
Arterial puncture

Critical Resuscitation for Interns

Multimedia and simulation-based skill stations and case-based training for interns who will be the first responder to an acutely ill patient in the wards

Sedation Workshop

Simulation-based training in procedural sedation

Trauma Course

Combination of independent online learning as well as high-fidelity, simulation case-based approach to management of a pediatric trauma patient.

Death and Dying Workshop

An annual workshop for second-year residents focused on communication skills and emotional responses to the death of a child. Residents have the opportunity to talk with bereaved parents and expert faculty, reflect on their own emotions and practice advanced communication skills in a safe environment.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Residents experience state-of-the-art training at the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research (WISER) in an effort to improve education through simulation. The WISER Center in Oakland and the WISER Pediatric Simulation Satellite Center at Children’s Hospital allow residents and students to gain hands-on education through simulation for a variety of clinical situations.

Residents currently participate in simulation training in:

Approach to the pediatric trauma patient
Arterial puncture
Bladder catheterization
Intern resuscitation course and approach to acutely ill patients
IV insertion and venipuncture
Lumbar puncture
Mock codes
Procedural sedation
Specific procedure training
Tracheostomy management

Career-Focused Pathways

We offer mentored, individualized training experiences (“Pathways”) to help residents prepare for their future careers. Residents may choose:

Hospitalist Medicine Pathway
Subspecialty Pathway
Critical Care Pathway
Primary Care Pathway
Or may stay in an “Exploring” Pathway throughout training

Regular Pathway meetings with faculty mentors provide time for career guidance, opportunities for scholarship, reflections on practice, and informal conversations. Residents in any Pathway may select an optional Area of Focus, including:

Research
Advocacy and Health Policy
Global Health

Focus experiences include seminars, individual and group longitudinal projects and elective time. Faculty mentors guide residents to develop individualized training experiences to enhance learning and career preparation.

Motivational Interviewing

Residents learn and practice the skills of effective behavior change via motivational interviewing during an annual workshop with expert behavioral medicine faculty. Additional sessions are scheduled during the Adolescent Medicine rotation.

Wellness Program

Residents are supported to develop and maintain their own health and well-being with scheduled sessions on:

Mindfulness and stress management
Support for healthy eating and exercise
Small group discussions about challenging clinical situations with peers and faculty

Intern Retreat

Each fall, we celebrate the interns’ hard work and bring them together for a 2½ day retreat in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. Helpful sessions on self-assessment and stress management along with plenty of time for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Read about the weekly learning sessions available in the Pediatric Residency Program.

Last Update
November 21, 2012

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