Pediatric Forensics (Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team or MERIT)

Department of Pediatrics

  • Course Information

    Course Number: RPED603

    Prerequisites: Completion of all Phase 2 clerkships

    Length of Time: 2 or 4 weeks

    Phase Availability: Phase 3

    Credit Type: Physician Assessed Patient Facing (PAPFE) or Open

    Call: No

  • Contact Information

    Program Director: Ray Davis, MD

    Other Participating Faculty: Shannon Krueger, NP

    Coordinator/Scheduling: Allison King (aking75@uic.edu)

    Location: Mercyhealth Rockton (2350 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL 61103)

Narrative Description: Review male and female genital anatomy, including normal variants and positive findings in a child who is suspected of being sexually abused, comprehensive history taking with regards to injury presentation, introduction to role of the medical provider in a multidisciplinary forensic investigation, introduction to abusive head trauma, skull fractures, fractures from falls, bruising pathology, injuries in non-accidental trauma.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this elective, the student will be able to:

  1. Define and identify normal genital anatomical variants.
  2. Define positive findings in a child who has been sexually abused.
  3. Discuss the role of the medical provider in forensic investigation.
  4. Explain when and how to refer a child for investigation when the child is suspected of being abused.
  5. Explain abusive head trauma and how it presents.
  6. Differentiate causative pathology for bruises, fractures, cuts and welts in child victims of abuse.
  7. Discuss dynamics of non-accidental trauma.

Learning Activities: Discussion (2-4 hours); case studies (2-4 hours), online training for mandated reporting (1 hour).

Method of Assessment: Direct observation and faculty evaluation of performance.

Required Reading: Suggested reading(s) will be provided.

Additional Resources: Handouts, PowerPoints, photos & online activity provided by the preceptor.

Miscellaneous Information: None