Formal Core Curriculum Sessions/Conferences are taught by neonatal and perinatal staff physicians from University Hospital System and Wilford Hall Medical Center, as well as invited expert lecturers from other related pediatric and basic science specialties (i.e., radiology, genetics, perinatology, biochemistry, etc.). Fellows are also required to give one didactic lecture per year (see Select Educational Presentations).
Didactic topics (i.e., surfactant physiology, pulmonary hypertension, ventilator management, etc.) covered are derived from the content specifications provided by the American Board of Pediatrics for neonatal-perinatal residency, and are on a three-year rotating schedule so that each resident has the opportunity to participate in each core topic once.
Pathophysiology is woven into our formal core curriculum sessions; morning report and perinatal morbidity and mortality conferences and journal club and board review. This curriculum includes didactics in recent advances in clinical medicine and biomedical research. Recent advances in clinical medicine and biomedical research form the foundation of many of our journal clubs, UTHSCSA Pediatric Grand Rounds, and invited speaker series.
Conferences specifically discussing medical complications and death; instruction in the scientific, ethical and legal implications of confidentiality and informed consent are given in a variety of ways. The faculty and invited guest faculty give didactic lectures on ethical principles surrounding perinatal medicine. Family conferences, initially led by experienced faculty, chaplains and social workers address these issues. After initial training, fellows are observed leading these sessions by the faculty. These issues are also reviewed and expanded upon in morning report, perinatal morbidity and mortality conferences and multidisciplinary discharge planning meetings.
Fellows are introduced to other aspects of the core curriculum (i.e., cellular, molecular and developmental biology) through their mentored research projects. Attending faculty (Division/Department or UTHSCSA) conducting research mentor the fellows and assist in the development of their basic science and/or clinical research project and the development of poster and oral presentations to the Division before attending national and regional conferences.
Fellows attend Pediatric Research Seminars, several local neonatal research conferences, and are encouraged to attend regional and national pediatric research meetings each year. These activities promote educational opportunities in the basic sciences for the fellows. The attending staff and residents present highlights of the conferences to the Division. Courses such as the Wilford Hall Medical Center ECMO course and Introduction to Clinical Investigation course provide other formal learning opportunities. Informal learning opportunities regarding research topics are presented in Perinatal rounds, selected grand rounds, invited guest lecturers, morbidity and mortality conferences and during attending rounds.
