NORTHEAST
CAMPUS
Clinical Neonatology
PED 9302
Altru Hospital
Preceptor(s): Richard M. Cowett, M.D., Clinical Professor
of Pediatrics
Period(s) offered and
number of students per period: Six months/year during those
months when there is no resident from the Family Practice Residency on their
required rotation in the NICU. Prefer
one student/month.
Purpose: To obtain hands-on
experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the sick and/or small neonate
needing neonatal intensive evaluation and care.
Objectives: Following
successful completion of this elective, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the principles of neonatal resuscitation and its proper technique.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the physical examination of the various neonates that are admitted to the NICU and explain how the examination of the term neonate differs from that of the premature neonate.
3. Explain the concept of size-for-dates and differentiate the etiological possibilities relative to appropriate, large and small-for-dates neonates.
4. Differentiate the various etiologies of respiratory distress in the neonate relative to maternal history, resuscitation, gestational age, and physical examination; and, explain the choice and use of the various types of respiratory support in the NICU.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of fluid, electrolyte and nutritional concepts germane to the high risk neonate by becoming proficient in writing total parenteral nutrition orders.
6. Explain the importance of the diagnosis of sepsis in the neonate; and discuss the significance of Group B Streptococcal disease from a perinatal perspective.
7. Understand the issues related to the Infant of the Diabetic Mother as the premiere example of a metabolic problem common in the NICU.
8. Understand the nuances relative to any “interesting” cases/diagnoses that are admitted during the month.
Instructional Activities:
During this elective, students will be involved in/experience:
1. NICU
rounds on a daily basis.
2. Assuming “responsibility,” under the
supervision of the preceptor, for the admission, history and physical
examination, daily evaluation, and subsequent discharge of a selected group of
neonates in the NICU; including presentation of the patient on rounds and to
the preceptor.
3. Writing all orders relative to the student’s
patients and getting the orders countersigned.
4. Discussion with the preceptor during one hour of formalized instructional activities per day the nuances relative to the diagnoses of the student’s panel of patients.
5. Preceptor discussions with the family before, during delivery and after delivery when the neonates are admitted to the NICU.
7. Attendance at normal, high risk, and cesarean section deliveries; as many as possible.
Criteria for Grading:
During and following this elective, the preceptor will:
1. Utilize the standardized UNDSMHS senior elective form.
2. Assess the quality of and caring for the panel of patients (including family) over the course of the month.
3. Assess the extent of the student’s attempt to understand the disease processes of the student’s panel of patients and others elsewhere in the NICU through the reading of standardized texts and a search of the current literature.
4. Assess the proficiency of the student during resuscitation and other procedures attempted and performed.