Activities

Below are some of the experiences that comprise fellowship:

1.     Out-patient clinical assessments: conducted at CHRISTUS Children’s Center for Miracles.

2.     In-patient clinical assessments: conducted at CHRISTUS Children’s, Methodist Children’s Hospital and University Hospital. Estimated volume: 80-100/year.

3.     Case reviews/consultations: Child protective services (CPS) caseworkers, law enforcement, and attorneys contact the Child Abuse Pediatricians in a variety of ways: face-to-face meetings, email, and telephone. Through the Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN) program, approximately 2000 case consultations are provided to CPS each year, in addition to the above-mentioned clinical assessments. This state-funded program was initiated in 2006.

4.     Multidisciplinary case staffings: review of major child abuse investigations are held virtually (twice weekly) and at ChildSafe, the children’s advocacy center (twice monthly) are two opportunities to interact with regional law enforcement, CPS supervisors, mental health professionals, and district attorneys. Fellows also attend regional child fatality review meetings.

5.     Court testimony: physicians testify an average of 4 times per month.

6.     Research: Faculty and fellows have published several articles.

7.     Weekly radiology rounds: through the FACN funding, a pediatric radiologist reviews radiographs with all faculty and fellows each week at Center for Miracles.

8.     Scholarly activity: Fellows work with a mentor from the division as well as a Scholarly Oversight Committee to complete a research project during training.

9.     Education: Fellows have opportunities to provide education to both medical and non-medical professionals including CPS caseworkers, law enforcement, attorneys, mental health providers and school personnel.