Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Rotation

Director: Mona Patel, MD

As a member of the Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Rotation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles Residents can truly make a difference in the lives of young children. Whether you are part of the community pediatrics track or the project development (IMPACT) track, you will be exposed to various local, state and federal agencies dedicated to child advocacy. Our goal at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is to train you to become community leaders and effective child advocates.

Education Portal

Residents use an online education portal to access the schedule, community advocacy information website and additional resources.

Advocacy for Residents

Residents will complete:

  • 2 week combined community pediatrics and development module
  • Participation in legislative advocacy activities throughout the year
  • Program evaluations
  • Online journal
  • Written assignments

This program is designed to give each resident complete competency in pediatric advocacy. It is our objective to provide a superior learning environment to give as much exposure as possible to multiple practice settings.

  • Skills necessary to be an effective child advocate
  • Familiar with different practice settings
  • Collaborate with community organizations which serve children
  • Learn the role of the pediatrician as consultant to schools, child care, etc.
  • Understand the effects of the environment and toxins in child health
  • Recognize barriers to care for underserved, low income, minority, disabled, and other pediatric populations.
  • Physician role in disease and injury prevention
  • Legislative process and the pediatrician’s role in policy

1st Year

  • Community Pediatrics/Development (2 weeks)
  • Legislative activities throughout the year culminating in a legislative officer visit

2nd Year

  • Home Safe Home (home safety visits)
  • Optional advocacy elective

3rd Year

  • Optional advocacy elective
  • Optional community pediatrics elective

For questions regarding scheduling, please contact Alex Yudovich at 323-361-2122.

Introduction to Development

The goal of this rotation is to expose you to the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric (DBP) perspective that will be used throughout your three year program. During this rotation, you will learn the conceptual approach to developmental and behavioral screening and surveillance. 

You will become familiar with DBP screening tools and apply those tools in the primary care pediatric and childcare settings. You will also visit community sites serving children with disabilities, including:

This rotation is led by Dr. Douglas Vanderbilt.

Community Pediatric Clinic Site Visits

Residents will be introduced to health care delivery and practice management in various types of pediatric clinic settings:

  • Private practice
  • Community-based/free
  • HMO

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has partnered with community-based clinics to effectively train residents, partnered with leading experts in their field.

Community Pediatric Clinics

  • Alta Med - East LA/Commerce/Boyle Heights
  • Descanso Pediatrics
  • Rose City Pediatrics
  • Valley Community Clinic
  • Valley Pediatric Medical Group
  • Westchester Pediatrics

Community Pediatrics Programs

Sample of Community Pediatrics Advocacy Rotation Schedule

The Community Advocacy rotation blocks begin mid-week to preserve the most effective transfers and ensure the best possible care for our patients.

Gary F. Krieger, MD, Pediatric Advocacy Award

This one-year award is given to selected resident(s) to apply their interest in health advocacy through the development and implementation of a specific project. Learn about the Pediatric Advocacy Award.