510-591 Paediatrics

Credit Points

HECS Band

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The principal objectives are (i) to allow students to develop an understanding of normal physical and emotional growth and development from birth through to late adolescence; (ii) to diagnose and manage the common illnesses of children and adolescents; and (iii) to recognise in children and adolescents symptoms that may indicate a serious or uncommon disorder that requires referral to an appropriate specialist paediatrician or paediatric surgeon.

These objectives are achieved through a series of lectures, case presentations and tutorials, in the wards and outpatients at the Royal Children's Hospital and for two weeks in a metropolitan district or country base hospital. The subject matter covered includes paediatric medicine, paediatric surgery and child and adolescent psychiatry. The impact of illness in a child or adolescent on the family receives particular emphasis, as does the interaction between family functioning and childhood and adolescent illness and behaviour. Students are expected to gain knowledge of community facilities for the health care of children and adolescents. Students must develop skills in history taking and physical examination of children and adolescents and the appropriate use of special investigations. They learn how to establish rapport with patients and parents.

Assessment

Two written papers, including a 2-hour written paper (30%) and a 1-hour short answer paper (20%); a 1-hour observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) comprising clinical stations (40%), two case presentations and continuous internal assessment (10%). Students must pass both the OSCE and the written examinations to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• M J Robinson and D M Roberton, Practical Pediatrics. 4th ed., Churchill Livingstone, 1998.
• Staff at the Royal Children's Hospital, Pediatric Handbook. 6th ed., Blackwell Scientific Publication, 1999.
• J M Hutson, A A Woodward, S W Beasley, Jones's Clinical Paediatric Surgery. 5th ed., Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1999.