Our program realizes that pediatric care involves more than the one-on-one interactions in the hospital or clinic setting. Therefore, the advocacy curriculum exposes pediatric residents to our community’s key child health inequities, the drivers of health, and many of the varied partners, both lay and professional, who are vital to the health, education, and success of children and families.

The advocacy curriculum prepares future generalist and specialist pediatricians to do the following:

  • Provide an accessible, equitable, culturally effective medical home for all children and families under their care;
  • Integrate into clinical practice and advocacy an understanding of the social, cultural, educational, economic, environmental, and other non-medical factors that influence health outcomes for children;
  • Practice collaboratively with patients, families, health and human service, and education professionals in the comprehensive care of all children including those with special health care needs and in system change efforts on their behalf; and
  • Promote child health priorities and public health principles within clinics, hospitals, schools, communities, research activities, and advocacy initiatives.

Advocacy training begins during intern orientation with the Community Plunge continues throughout the residency with a Longitudinal Curriculum, and culminates in each resident completing a mentored Advocacy Project.

Dr. Rebecca Palmer directs our Advocacy curriculum, along with a team of dedicated curriculum faculty. The team is happy to answer any questions you may have about the program.