Residents interested in General & Community Pediatrics should seek out elective and procedure experiences that prepare them for careers in primary care, advocacy, and population health. Residents should seek electives in outpatient subspecialties, urgent care, complex care, and public health settings to enhance clinical breadth. Community-based experiences, such as foster care, breastfeeding medicine, and school health, provide exposure to social determinants of health. Residents should also develop procedural skills relevant to primary care, including dermatologic, musculoskeletal, and newborn procedures. Engaging in advocacy, quality improvement, and medical education further strengthens preparation for a career in community pediatrics.
Contact
Nick Deblasio
Essential Electives
OPA Senior
Senior residents on this elective will have the opportunity to spend additional time in the primary care setting at the Pediatric Primary Care Center or Hopple Street Health Center.
During this half or full block elective, residents will gain additional experience in caring for a largely underserved population with a variety of primary care concerns with exposure to the many ancillary services at each site. Each afternoon, the residents will work directly with 3rd year medical students by precepting patients and providing real time education on a variety of pediatric topics.
Private Practice
In this full or half block rotation, residents have an additional opportunity beyond their intern rotation to see patients for well-child visits, acute concerns, and chronic disease management. They will observe practice workflows, billing, and staffing models while managing common primary care concerns with increasing independence.
Recommended Electives
Endocrinology (Outpatient)
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with growth concerns, early or delayed puberty, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. They will observe endocrine testing and discuss management strategies for common metabolic and hormonal conditions.
Dermatology
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with acne, eczema, rashes, and other common skin conditions. They may observe procedures such as cryotherapy and biopsies and discuss long-term management strategies for chronic dermatologic conditions.
Sports Medicine
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, and joint pain. They will observe physical therapy recommendations, bracing, and return-to-play decisions.
Breastfeeding Medicine
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate dyads struggling with latch, supply issues, tongue ties, and pain. They will observe lactation consultations and learn approaches to supporting breastfeeding families.
Other Electives
Urgent care
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with febrile illnesses, minor injuries, rashes, and respiratory infections. They will gain experience in triage, rapid assessment, and performing procedures such as laceration repair and splinting.
Gastroenterology (outpatient)
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with chronic abdominal pain, constipation, reflux, and food intolerances. They will observe discussions about dietary modifications, medication management, and long-term follow-up for conditions like celiac disease and IBD.
Complex Care
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with medical complexity, including those with genetic syndromes, neurologic conditions, and technology dependence. They will observe multidisciplinary care coordination and discuss goals of care with families.
HealthWorks
In half block rotation, residents will evaluate children and adolescents with overweight and obesity in a multidisciplinary clinic. They will observe nutrition counseling, exercise coaching, and behavioral interventions, and learn strategies to promote realistic, family-centered lifestyle changes. Residents will also see patients for medical evaluations and weight-related comorbidities.
Residents as Teachers
In this full or half block rotation, residents will lead teaching sessions, provide feedback to learners, and observe faculty mentorship styles. They will engage in bedside teaching, create educational materials, and participate in curriculum development.
Pediatric Gynecology
In this full or half block rotation, residents will evaluate patients with menstrual disorders, contraception needs, ovarian cysts, and congenital anomalies. They will observe counseling on puberty, sexual health, and reproductive concerns, as well as minor gynecologic procedures.
Newborn – Good Samaritan
In this full or half block rotation, residents will round with hospitalists in a community newborn nursery, evaluating well newborns and learning about common neonatal concerns. They will observe family-centered care, discharge planning, and discussions on feeding, jaundice, and anticipatory guidance for new parents.
Recommended procedures
- Bag mask ventilation
- Bladder catheterization
- CPR
- Hemorrhage control
- Administering vaccines
Optional procedures
Depending on location of future practice, optional procedures would include:
- Circumcision
- Splinting
- Suturing
- Frenulectomy
Other Experiences
Simulation training with Dr. Joe Real on vaccine counseling, behavior counseling and firearm safety counseling
Research elective with General Pediatrics research team (especially if interested if General Academic Pediatrics Fellowship)
Certification to be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant —contact Dr. Sheela Geraghty if interested
Conferences
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition is the largest annual gathering of pediatricians, featuring educational sessions, research presentations, and networking opportunities. It covers a broad range of pediatric topics, including clinical updates, policy discussions, and practice management.
- The Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting is a premier academic conference where researchers, educators, and clinicians present and discuss the latest advancements in pediatric research, education, and policy. It is a major platform for scientific collaboration and innovation in child health.
Scholarly Activity
Scholarly activity is required by the residency program. Please discuss with the program leadership. Residents interested in the General Academic Pediatrics Fellowship may elect to complete a Research Elective with the General Pediatrics research team.
Professional Organizations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a professional organization dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. It provides clinical guidelines, advocacy, research, and education for pediatricians and other healthcare professionals. The AAP also influences public policy and promotes best practices in pediatric care.
The Academic Pediatric Association (APA) supports academic general pediatrics by promoting research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. It focuses on improving child health outcomes through scholarship and innovation in medical education, healthcare delivery, and policy. The APA is known for its leadership in primary care research, faculty development, and health equity initiatives.
Journals & Online Resources
- Academic Pediatrics is the official journal of the Academic Pediatric Association (APA), focusing on pediatric education, research, policy, and healthcare delivery. It publishes original studies, reviews, and commentaries aimed at improving child health through scholarship and innovation in academic pediatrics.
- Pediatrics is the flagship journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), featuring peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and policy statements that shape pediatric practice. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including general pediatrics, subspecialty care, advocacy, and public health.
- Clinical Pediatrics is a peer-reviewed journal that provides practical clinical insights for general pediatricians and subspecialists. It publishes case reports, research, and reviews on common and complex conditions seen in primary and specialty care.
- Pediatrics in Review is an AAP journal designed for continuing medical education (CME), offering concise, peer-reviewed articles on pediatric topics. It helps pediatricians stay updated on best practices and prepare for board certification and maintenance of certification (MOC) exams.
- Peds RAP (Pediatric Reviews and Perspectives) is an audio-based continuing education resource featuring expert discussions, case reviews, and updates on pediatric medicine. It provides engaging, high-yield content for busy clinicians looking to stay current on pediatric care.