Pediatric Hospital Medicine Resident Elective: A Novel Resident Curriculum for an Evolving Field

Background Although 8-10% of pediatric residents pursue a career in Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM), many report an incomplete understanding of PHM careers and would benefit from a PHM elective. Methodology We followed Kern’s six-step curriculum development framework. A general needs assessment via literature review revealed a lack of published PHM elective curricula. A targeted needs assessment was conducted by surveying national PHM fellowship program directors, national PHM fellows, local junior PHM attendings, and local pediatric residents. Content analysis from these surveys was used to develop a PHM resident elective curriculum. The curriculum was implemented and evaluated through an experience log and written reflections. Results Needs assessment surveys were completed by fellowship directors (22/61, 36%), fellows (36/103, 35%), attendings (10/26, 38%), and residents (15/98, 15%). Common themes included the importance of academic experiences, mentorship, non-teaching and non-inpatient clinical experiences, community hospital experience, and the desire to address knowledge gaps. Significant variability in survey responses suggested the importance of an individualized curriculum. Goals, objectives, and aligned educational strategies were developed to provide a breadth of clinical experiences, mentorship, and PHM-focused academic activities, with an emphasis on individualization. Implementation of the curriculum began in July 2021 and four residents enrolled in 2021-2022. The curricular evaluation demonstrated the achievement of objectives and improved resident awareness of PHM opportunities, clinical skill development, ancillary shadowing, and academic opportunities. Conclusions A PHM resident elective was developed using Kern’s six-step approach with input from national fellows and fellowship program directors to address educational gaps and increase exposure to PHM careers. The next steps include the evaluation of the impact of the PHM elective on career choice and preparedness of residents.