Pediatricians Are Advocates for Children
Our program believes that to be a Pediatrician is to be an advocate for children. Our residents receive training in the skills of advocacy and community engagement. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is uniquely situated across the street from our state’s capital. Our residents have the opportunity to see child health policy in action and meet with legislatures and lobbyists when in session.
All residents participate in the Child Advocacy and Community Pediatrics curriculum during an assigned day of their Y-Week. Residents learn about social determinants of health and the health disparities that shape our community. They connect with over 20 community organizations and leaders working to improve the health of children in different ways.
Our residents have founded a monthly primary care clinic on campus for youth from the Immerse Arkansas program, as well as treating pediatric patients from Our House Shelter. Residents can serve as a Program Delegate in the Arkansas Chapter of AAP, help coordinate resident involvement in chapter activities, and attend the Annual Legislative Conference of workshops that culminates in a day lobbying on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Community Day of Action
In January 2025, our residents participated in the first Community Day of Action. Spread across the city at five community partners, our residents took on projects at each site related to the community partners’ needs. The event was organized by then-PGY3 resident Katie Stahler, MD, and was funded by a Community Pediatrics Training Initiative Grant awarded by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The ‘boots on the ground’ event is now a permanent part of our curriculum.
Want to get more involved? Our resident Advocacy Committee develops and implements activities to promote child health in our community.