Advocacy Track

Overview:

The mission of the Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Track at CHUI is to train pediatric residents to develop community partnerships and advocate for and impact children’s health at the local, state and national levels.

By gaining the tools needed to assess and evaluate their community, residents will develop a greater understanding of their community’s assets and needs. They will partner with community organizations to improve the lives of children through the implementation of projects designed specifically to meet the needs of their community. They will learn the importance of sustainability in community work and develop plans to sustain their efforts after the completion of their residency. Residents also are trained in policy brief creation culminating in a presentation on a relevant pediatric medical topic affecting legislation to an Illinois legislator.

IL-Advocacy-Conference-session-1-scaled

Caption: Dr. Zoe Haemer, Dr. Michelle Barnes and Dr. Amy Schlegel attended the annual AAP Advocacy Conference virtually. Featured here is the IL delegation as they prepared to meet with our senator’s office to advocate for strengthening VFC funding.

Highlights of the Program:

  • 2 year program (PGY 2-3)
  • Partner with community agencies in collaborative work
  • Expand leadership skills
  • Develop grant writing skills
  • Meet with Advocacy Track participants/mentors for project development
  • Attend Annual Lobby Day in Springfield in conjunction with ICAAP
  • Learn skills to create Legislative Policy Brief
  • Attend community networking events

Calendar

Year 1

  • Complete IRB Training through UIC
  • Identify mentor for advocacy project
  • 2 week block in fall to begin project development and grant application
  • 2 week block in spring for project development and implementation
  • Longitudinal advocacy experience (18 ½ days during non-inpatient months)
  • Case-based advocacy presentations during Adolescent and Development rotations
  • Legislative Policy Brief Presentation
  • Submit project proposal
  • Apply for project grant

Year 2

  • Implement and evaluate advocacy project
  • 2 week block in fall to begin project development and grant application
  • 2 week block in spring for project development and implementation
  • Longitudinal advocacy experience (18 ½ days during non-inpatient months)
  • Mentor community intern—work together on an activity or teaching session
  • Present at Grand Rounds
  • Legislative Policy Brief Presentation
  • Submit an abstract or manuscript based on your work