Partnerships and Child Health Advancement

Balance

We prioritize time with family and friends

Growth Mindset

We embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth

Advocacy

We advocate for those who need support, and mentor and empower others

Empathy

We approach our work with compassion and respect

Collegial

We value collaboration and inclusion, appreciate all viewpoints and foster an environment that encourages teamwork and respectful interactions

The Department affirms that variety of the healthcare workforce is a key component to eliminating health disparities.

Background

According to the 2020 United States Census the nation’s population grew by 7.4% to 331.4 million people.

National race and ethnicity demographics:

• 61.6% – White
• 18.7% – Hispanic
• 12.4% – Black
• 10.2% – Two or More Races
• 8.4% – Other Race Alone
• 6% – American Indian and Alaska Native
• 1.1% – Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• 0.2% – Some Other Race Alone

The 2020 census reported a total population of 3.01 million people in Arkansas, with just under 700,000 below the age of 18.

Arkansas race and ethnicity demographics:

• 70.2% – White
• 15.1% – Black
• 8.5% – Hispanic
• 7.1% – Two or More Races
• 4.5% – Some Other Race Alone
• 1.7% – Asian
• 0.9% – American Indian and Alaska Native
• 0.5% – Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

Focused on the Future

The Department is committed to recruitment of faculty, fellows and residents from underrepresented populations. The department is also implementing policies and best practices from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). These efforts include supporting and cultivating the physicians who understand and act on population and public health principles, advancing accountability, fairness and racial justice through perpetual reviews of internal policies and advancing health care to under-served and under-resourced populations.

In addition to current efforts by our pediatric residency leadership, the DOP is also participating in AAMC’s Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) program and Pediatric Interest Group.

The Department started a council in 2023 focused on improving clinical outcomes with a focus on language assistance services, social supports for families and health advancement with partnership from the Vice Chairs of Education and Faculty Affairs.

In addition to our clinical engagement efforts, we are advancing educational efforts for all faculty, fellows, residents, researchers and staff that focus on the children we serve and the needs of their communities.

• Front-line research leading to policy change: Since 1998, PIs Emeritus Professor Dr. Patrick Casey and current PI Dr. Ochoa have led the Little Rock site of Children’s HealthWatch, a non-partisan network of pediatricians, public health researchers, and children’s health and policy experts committed to improving children’s health in America. This survey research is conducted in the Emergency Department of Arkansas Children’s Hospital via interviews of caregivers of children under 48 months old who are receiving care. The network also has sites in Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Boston, the network center. This research illuminates the implications of changes in national or state food, housing and energy policy on children’s health. Several network researchers, including Dr. Ochoa, have testified before the US Congress on these issues to highlight the health benefits to young children of SNAP, WIC and economic supports.