Updated January 2022
PEDIATRIC SURGERY – PGY 3 & 4 Resident Goals & Objectives
A. Medical Knowledge
Goal: The resident will achieve a detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology of pediatric surgical diseases and will develop the skills needed to treat the pediatric surgery patient.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Discuss the embryology, physiology pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of the major pediatric surgical diseases, including (but not limited to):
a. appendicitis
b. congenital diaphragmatic hernia
c. gastroesophageal reflux
d. Hirschsprung’s disease
e. imperforate anus
f. intussusception
g. pyloric stenosis
h. tracheo-esophogeal fistula
i. malrotations with midgut volvulus
j. pediatric tumors
i. Neuroblastoma
ii. Wilm’s tumor
iii. Teratomas
k. abdominal wall defects
i. gastroschisis
ii. omphalocele
2. Describe the unique details in the management of hospitalized children, including:
a. fluid and electrolyte
b. nutritional therapies
c. pain control
d. antimicrobials
e. thermoregulation
3. Discuss the diagnosis and management of congenital outpatient pediatric diagnoses such as:
a. inguinal hernias
b. undescended testes
c. thyroglossal duct cysts
d. branchial cleft cysts
e. hygromas
4. List the principles of the resuscitation and care of the multiply injured child.
B. Patient Care
Goal: The resident will provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of pediatric surgery problems.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Evaluates children with pediatric surgical diagnoses, performing the physical exams and initial assessment.
2. Treat pediatric patients postoperatively, managing their care, including:
a. Pain control
b. Fluid and electrolyte balance
c. Wound care
d. Antibiotic therapy
3. Participate in the outpatient management of children with complex surgical conditions.
4. Participate in the resuscitation and management of the multiply injured child.
5. Become familiar with the management of critically ill neonates.
6. Participate in the surgical management of children with pediatric
C. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Goal: The resident will investigate and evaluate his or her own patient care practices, appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and improve patient care practices.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Use information technology to prepare for surgical cases, bringing to the OR the knowledge of current modalities of care and the scientific evidence for that care.
2. Routinely analyzes the effectiveness of own practices in caring for pediatric surgery patients.
3. Improve own practices in the care of pediatric surgery patients by integrating appropriately gathered data and feedback.
4. Educate medical students and other healthcare professionals in the practices of pediatric surgery.
5. Use library sources to perform research and perform literature searches for best evidence practices in pediatric surgery.
6. Function independently with graduated advancement and appropriate faculty supervision.
7. Understand the principles of clinical research and the application of basic biostatistics.
D. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Goal: The resident will demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and professional associates.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Educate patients and families in post-operative and rehabilitative strategies for pediatric surgery patients.
2. Demonstrate compassion for patients and families afflicted with pediatric diseases and trauma.
3. Provide adequate counseling and informed consent to patients.
4. Listen and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
5. Assimilate data and information provided by other members of the health care team.
6. Chart and record accurate information.
E. System Based Practice
Goal: The resident will demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Coordinates all aspects of the rehabilitation of the pediatric surgery patient.
2. Direct the rehabilitation of pediatric surgery patients by partnering with the following:
a. Physical Therapy
b. Occupational Therapy
c. PRM physicians
d. Social workers/Case Managers
e. Nutritionists
f. Speech and Language Pathologists
3. Advocate for pediatric surgery patients within the health care system.
4. Refer pediatric patients to the appropriate practitioners and agencies.
5. Facilitate the timely discharge of pediatric surgery patients
6. Demonstrate knowledge of cost-effective pediatric surgery care.
7. Work with paramedical professionals in the prehospital care of trauma patients.
F. Professionalism
Goal: The resident will demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
Objectives: The Resident will be able to…
1. Develop a sensitivity to the unique stresses placed on families under care for pediatric injuries.
2. Exhibit an unselfish regard for the welfare of pediatric surgery patients.
3. Demonstrate firm adherence to a code of moral and ethical values.
4. Be respectful to pediatric patients and their families especially in times of hospitalization, trauma, and stress to the family unit.
5. Respect and appropriately integrate other members of the pediatric surgery team.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity to the individual patient’s profession, life goals, and cultural background as they apply to surgery.
7. Be reliable, punctual, and accountable for own actions in the OR and clinic.
8. Understand the concepts of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for life.
9. Maintain patient confidentiality.
10. Provide appropriately prompt pediatric surgical consultations when indicated and/or requested.