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 be complete:

• 2-week community pediatrics module during one of the intern blocks
• 1 week introduction to behavior/development 
• 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 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

For questions regarding scheduling, please contact: Louay Keilani | Phone: 323.361.2122

Introduction to Development

The goal of this rotation is to expose you to the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric (DBP) perspective that they will use throughout your 3 years. 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:

• California Children Services (CCS)  
• Lanterman Regional Center
• USC Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)   

This rotation is led by Dr. Douglas Vanderbilt. 
 

Community Pediatric Clinic Site Visits

Residents will be introduced to healthcare 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

Community Pediatrics Programs

• Audrey Hepburn CARES Team
• Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center
• Health Consumer Center of Los Angeles
• Department of Public Health Toxics Epidemiology Program
• Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics at Children's Hospital Los Angeles 
• Foster HUB Clinic
• Learning Rights Law Center
• Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
• Risk Watch Prep
• Shriners Hospital 
• The Alliance for Childrens' Rights
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

SAMPLE - 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.