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Pediatrics Elective Course Description

Course Name: Child Protection Program 
Course Number: PE-493
Elective Type: B2
Coordinator(s):

Heather Forkey, MD

Contact: Maxine Schmeidler
508-856-3102

Department: Pediatrics
Sites Available: UMMHC-University Campus
Months Offered: E1 - M10
Number of Students / Month:
Prerequisites: Completion of 3rd Year Pediatric Clerkship 

Description: This elective will provide an opportunity for students to participate in medical evaluations for suspected abuse and neglect. This experience will allow the students to: 1) Acquire skills to obtain a detailed history in a non-judgmental manner, 2) Learn how to distinguish developmentally reasonable accidental injuries from inflicted injuries, 3) Learn how to do a detailed genital examination in children & adolescents who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, 4) Become familiar with and learn when to use standard workup protocols in cases of possible sexual or physical abuse, 5) Learn how to interact with multiple disciplines who serve child victims within the community, 6) Learn how to file a report for possible child maltreatment with the Department of Children and Families, 7) When possible observe court testimony, 8) Learn how to assess and address the medical needs of children entering foster care.

Note: This elective is primarily observational for students given the highly sensitive nature of the information collected in the histories and legal ramifications of the examinations.

Location:  UMMHC-University Campus, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA  01655  
Website: Department of Pediatrics  http://www.umassmed.edu/pediatrics/