4th Year Pediatric Electives

Pediatric Education Overview

Pediatrics Faculty

Faculty: Eric Larsen, M.D., Sara Chaffee, M.D.
Phone: 650-5541
E-mail: Eric.C.Larsen@Dartmouth.EDU

Open to one student, this four-week elective provides direct involvement in the many aspects of caring for children with cancer, ranging from the management of complex medical problems to the challenge of supporting family members who have been affected by the diagnosis of their child. There is also the opportunity to evaluate and manage nonmalignant hematologic problems in children. The student is an active member of the clinical pediatric hematology-oncology team and will be involved in their day-to-day activities.

When offered: Throughout the year

Credit units: 4

Goals and objectives: It is expected that the student will gain understanding in the following areas:

• The diagnostic evaluation of the child with a suspected malignancy
• The etiology and pathophysiology of the common forms of childhood cancer
• The basic components of treatment in pediatric oncology
• The psychological and social support of the family
• The diagnostic approach to common hematologic problems in pediatrics, including anemia and neutropenia

Method of instruction:

• Rounds on all inpatients with the team twice a day
• Performance of all inpatient consultations as they are needed, usually 2-3 per week
• Active participation in the clinic (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday), including management and therapy of established patients and diagnostic evaluation of new patients
• Participation in conferences: hematopathology, tumor board, oncology grand rounds and all relevant general pediatric conferences

Method of student evaluation: Evaluation is based on the completion of the objectives of the elective. In particular, emphasis is placed on the ability of the student to identify problems and subsequently develop methods of solving problems in pediatric hematology-oncology.

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