Pediatric Endocrinology

Purpose and Rationale for the Course: This course will expose students to the breadth of pediatric endocrinology, with opportunities to tailor experience to their interests and future plans. While students rotating on the inpatient teams may obtain some experience with acute management of type 1 diabetes, they are not exposed to what pediatric endocrinologists spend the majority of their time on – consults and outpatient management. An understanding of the hormonal axes managed by pediatric endocrinologists is essential for all physicians, particularly those interested in pediatrics, emergency medicine and family medicine. 

Target Students: This elective is designed for third- or fourth-year medical students who are interested in pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, or any field. 

Course Description: During this elective, students will have the opportunity to join a team of pediatric endocrinology specialists. Students will participate in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting with a variety of endocrinopathies including growth concerns, puberty concerns, menstrual irregularities, adrenal gland dysfunction and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2). 

Students will be provided with introductory materials and a syllabus at the start of their rotation that will review the basics of common endocrine conditions.

Clinical experiences will include supervised patient contact in outpatient endocrinology clinic, inpatient endocrinology consults and inpatient rounds on primary endocrinology service patients. If scheduling allows, students rotating in July may have the opportunity to participate as a member of the clinical team at Diabetes Summer Camp. 

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the pathophysiology and basic evaluation and management of common pediatric endocrine conditions such as diabetes (type 1, type 2 and monogenic), hypo- and hyper-thyroidism, early and late puberty, short stature, and adrenal insufficiency.
2. Interpret clinical findings and laboratory results to present on clinic and inpatient rounds. 
3. Perform a focused history and physical exam of pediatric patients with concern for an underlying endocrine diagnosis. 
4. Develop an assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic plan for pediatric patients presenting with concern for an endocrinopathy.