MDE 8361: Pediatric Pharmacology 15-16

Flexibility is available with this elective rotation, as the experience can be molded based on students' interests.  Generally, students can round with the medical teams on Peds/PICU/NICU on a rotating schedule provided by the preceptor.  There will be an iPad available to use during rounding to look at patient profiles and orders, as well as a desk available for students to work to perform other duties while not rounding (either in the pharmacy clinical services office, or if space does not permit then in the library).  Students will concentrate on drug selection and dosing based on disease state management and available evidence-based data and present patients to the preceptor with respect to diagnosis as it relates to drug selection and will discuss drug dosing. 

There will be extensive focus on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications.  Students will be tasked to review literature, summarize findings, and explain outcomes for drug information projects the preceptor assigns.  There will be a number of projects for students to perform that will be designed to allow them to enhance both their scientific literature searching skills as well as their understanding of drug pharmacokinetics as it relates to patient treatments and decision making.

Students will also perform drug information activities that relate to patients they are following on rounds.  The preceptor will provide an overview and guidance related to literature search and assessment for drug information responses.

Students may spend a small amount of time with a clinical-staff pharmacist to get a sense of their activities and perspective.

Objectives

  1. Perform scientific literature searches to: investigate questions regarding drug therapy and dosing, obtain the most relevant and up-to-date evidence based practice, and find pharmacokinetic information on specific drugs of interest.  
  2. Provide drug information and analyze drug pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
  3. Compare and contrast the most common antibiotics for pediatric patients.

Evaluation

The preceptor will provide feedback at frequent meetings as well as at mid-point and end-point of the rotation.  Students will be expected to complete the tasks that have been assigned and meet the deadlines required for completing the tasks.  Students will be expected to display dedication to completing the assigned tasks, as well as communicating any questions or issues to the preceptor openly and in a timely manner. Students will provide the preceptor with multiple written assignments that will be evaluated based on content and organization, and will be expected to diligently exert required effort to complete the assigned work, with the preceptor’s assistance as required.  Students should expect to give a PowerPoint presentation with patient case at the end of the rotation that will be graded based on content, organization, and professional demeanor.