Pediatric Track

About the Pediatric Track

The Pediatric Track consists of experiential, research, and outreach activities to enhance the students understanding and application of what it means to be a pediatric pharmacist. Students applying into the track must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and usually apply in the Fall or Spring of their P1 year.  Exceptions can be made in cases of those who discover their passion later (e.g. P2 year) but will need to clearly demonstrate why they have discovered pediatric pharmacy is for them (e.g. activities in pediatric pharmacy hospital or organizations)

After acceptance into the track, students will work with Dr. Jennifer Girotto to learn more about pediatric pharmacy practice, ensure that they are meeting the requirements, and create outreach activities as well as a research project. At graduation, students who fulfill the requirements of the track will be recognized as Pediatric Pharmacy Scholars.

Curriculum

Outreach Project
This project is completed during the P2 year, is led by a pediatric track student who identifies a need in the community and works to create and advocate for awareness of pediatric health-related (usually pharmacotherapy related) topics in the community. Examples include teaching a classroom of students about cough and cold medications or working with school nurses to improve healthcare in schools.

Pediatric Track Independent Study Class
Students take part in the pediatric track independent study class throughout their time in the track. They learn about the different pediatric pharmacy careers, successes and issues from other students outreach and independent research projects, and information regarding pediatric residency training.

Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Elective (PHRX 5050)
There are multiple courses that fulfil the didactic requirement, but most student choose to take this 2-credit course where students will learn more about the field of pediatric pharmacotherapy and pediatric related health advocacy.

Research Project
Students are required to complete an independent research project in pediatric pharmacotherapy. The majority of this project is required to be completed by the end of the P3 year. Some examples of prior projects involve assessment of national febrile neutropenia practices, evaluating impact of drug-drug interactions, and assessing minimum vaccination age at community pharmacies throughout the country. Each student is required to present their research at a national meeting.

Pediatric IPPE hours
Each student is required to conduct 60 hours of pediatric elective IPPEs in which students learn how to work up pediatric patients (pharmacists patient care process) and lookup / answer pediatric drug information questions.

Pediatric APPE Rotations
Students must complete 3 to 4 one-month clinical pediatric APPE rotations. These include general pediatrics, pediatric infectious diseases, and a pediatric acute care (e.g. pediatric critical care, neonatal intensive care, pediatric nutrition, complicated pediatric). Additionally, students complete a pediatric research month to ensure their project can be completed. These rotations will be completed during the P4 year.

Application Steps

Interested applicants should fill out the attached Pediatric Track application form and email to Dr. Girotto.

Contact

Dr. Jennifer Girotto, Pharm.D.
UConn School of Pharmacy
Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Pediatrics
E-MAIL jgirotto@connecticutchildrens.org
PHONE (860) 837-5589