Teaching social determinants of child health in a pediatric advocacy rotation: Small intervention, big impact

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, medical education does not specifically address the social determinants of health or how to advocate for families’ cultural, social or economic needs in spite of our increasingly diverse society.

Aim: This article describes a new social–legal curriculum added to a Pediatric Resident's Advocacy course.

Methods: Pediatric interns completed ‘Memos To Myself’ after the Advocacy rotation.

Results: The curriculum impacted residents’ (1) realization regarding family circumstances; (2) reflections regarding self and personal practice; and (3) knowledge about advocacy issues and community partnerships for solutions.

Conclusions: This curriculum raised awareness about topics that are traditionally not covered in medical education.