Pediatric Subspecialties (Infectious Disease and Rheumatology)

Updated: 04/27/2026

PREREQUISITES AND PLACEMENT IN CURRICULUM:
Completion of Pediatric Clerkship

PURPOSE:
This elective is offered during the clinical phase of medical education and is intended for medical students seeking integrated exposure to pediatric subspecialties that address infectious, inflammatory, and dysregulated immune processes relevant to the pediatric population.

To provide students with a basic understanding of some of the basic pathophysiology, diagnostic reasoning, and management principles underlying common pediatric infectious and autoimmune/rheumatologic disorders. This clerkship emphasizes key relationships related to infection and immune dysregulation, fostering skills in evaluation and multidisciplinary patient care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Conduct thorough and focused pediatric histories, incorporating relevant reviews of systems and conducting appropriate physical examinations that address both infectious and rheumatologic presentations.
  2. Formulate and prioritize differential diagnoses for common conditions in both specialties.
  3. Identify likely pathogens for key pediatric infections (e.g., community-acquired pneumonia, osteomyelitis, meningitis).
  4. Recommend and interpret basic diagnostic studies relevant to both subspecialties.
  5. Propose initial management and first-line treatment plans for common infectious and autoimmune/rheumatic diseases.
  6. Recognize the interrelationships between infection, inflammation, and immune-mediated disease in children.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD:
Students will participate in 3 -4 outpatient clinics weekly and join inpatient consultation and rounding services across pediatric units, including the general wards, PICU, NICU, and subspecialty clinics. Supplementary educational opportunities may include:

  • Weekly journal clubs and class-based discussions
  • Microbiology laboratory experiences (twice weekly)
  • Optional research or scholarly activity under faculty mentorship. Instruction will occur through direct supervision and one-on-one teaching by pediatric infectious disease and rheumatology attendings.

SCHEDULE:
Students will participate in 3-4 outpatient clinics weekly and join inpatient consultation and rounding services across pediatric units, including the general wards, PICU, NICU, and subspecialty clinics. Total hours per week will be 4o hours.

ASSESSMENT:
Ongoing formative feedback will be provided throughout the rotation. Summative evaluation will be based on clinical performance, professionalism, and participation documented through the Dean’s Office elective evaluation form.

Administrative Information

  • Program Number

    CPED612

     

     

  • Program Contacts

    Elective Director: Dr. Silvana Carr
    Email: silvana@uic.edu

    Coordinator: Jasmine Burleson
    Email: jasbur@uic.edu

  • Program Information

    Duration: 4 Weeks
    On- Call: No
    Weekends: No
    Students Accepted: Min. 0 Max. 1
    House staff used as Faculty: Yes
    Lectures/Conferences/Faculty Contact: variable
    Laboratory/Independent Study: 0
    Outpatient: Yes
    Inpatient: Yes
    Total Hours /Week: 40