Message from the Program Director
Through exploration of our website, you can see our outstanding clinical and academic opportunities and so I will not belabor those points but would like to welcome you with an attempt to convey the “heart” of our program. At Arkansas Children’s Hospital, our child maltreatment section is designated the “Team for Children at Risk” and we truly are a team. From the administrative staff to nursing, clinicians and social workers, we operate with mutual respect and support of one another in the common mission of optimizing the health and safety of vulnerable children and families.
Child abuse pediatrics is a unique, unpredictable and complicated field and a collaborative work environment is necessary for success. I am privileged to work with a team that prioritizes both a commitment to clinical and academic excellence as well as team members’ well-being. Our fellows are a part of our team and while we maintain the highest standards of fellowship training, we aim to provide the support necessary for success.
I am excited that you are exploring our fellowship and am happy to provide any additional information you might need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and thanks again for your interest!
Associate Professor
Program Mission Statement
To improve the health and safety of children at risk for abuse and neglect in Arkansas and beyond through education and training, comprehensive clinical services, contributions to research and quality improvement and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team involved in the response to child maltreatment.
Practicing within the only dedicated pediatric children’s hospital system in the state of Arkansas, we embrace the opportunity and responsibility to serve at-risk children and families within and outside the walls of the hospital. UAMS child abuse fellows develop the skills and expertise necessary to recognize and evaluate potential victims of child abuse and neglect through clinical exposure to all child maltreatment types, close collaboration with multiple pediatric subspecialties, educational conferences and individual teaching. Our fellows develop as leaders as they educate and communicate with clinicians and non-medical community partners through individual case discussions, multidisciplinary case conferences and formal didactic education.
Through individual mentorship, utilization of evidence-based practices and appropriate oversight, our fellows provide respectful treatment of all individuals and families and ethically participate in the management of child abuse and neglect. We cultivate an environment of longevity and success for our fellows with efforts to prevent and respond to signs of secondary stress and burnout in fellows through mentorship, clinical support, self-care plans and protected time for mental health needs. Recognizing the multitude of opportunities to impact the health and welfare of at-risk children, we assist fellows in the development of their own interests and career goals.
We align with the mission of UAMS to improve the health, health care and well-being of Arkansans and of others in the region, nation and the world through clinical practice, education, outreach, and academic productivity to prevent, recognize and respond to child maltreatment.