Department of Paediatrics

Introduction

The Paediatric Department of CMH Rawalpindi is a cutting-edge facility that delivers comprehensive medical care to infants and children. It owes its creation to Army Medical College back in year 1977 when it was felt that for teaching Paediatrics to undergraduate students a pediatric facility needs to be established in Military Hospital Rawalpindi. The journey started at that time and now this department is providing specialized care to young patients, with a vast bed capacity that enables it to handle a wide range of paediatric patients.

Subspecialties

Our department boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced specialists in various paediatric subspecialties, including:

• Paediatric Gastroenterology: Providing care for digestive disorders and diseases
• Paediatric Pulmonology: Managing respiratory conditions and diseases
• Paediatric Oncology: Delivering comprehensive care for children with cancer
• Paediatric Neurology: Diagnosing and treating neurological disorders
• Paediatric Nephrology: Providing care for kidney diseases and disorders
• Paediatric Intensive Care: Offering critical care services for critically ill children
• Our department also features a dedicated NICU that provides critical care to newborns, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our youngest patients.

Commitment to Quality Care

Our specialists are committed to delivering high-quality patient care, and our department is equipped with modern facilities and equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We strive to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for our young patients and their families, and our multidisciplinary team approach ensures that each child receives comprehensive and individualized care.

Preventive Services

We also offer essential preventive services, including:

• Vaccination Centre: Providing immunizations against infectious diseases to protect our young patients
• Thalassemia Centre: Offering comprehensive care and management for children with thalassemia, including regular transfusions, chelation therapy, and genetic counseling

Academic and Training Institution

The Paediatric Department of CMH Rawalpindi is an important institution for postgraduate and undergraduate training. We provide hands-on training and mentorship to medical students and residents, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in their careers. Our department is committed to advancing the field of paediatrics through research, education, and clinical practice.

By combining cutting-edge medical care with academic excellence and a commitment to quality, we aim to improve the health and well-being of children in our community and beyond.

Objective: Provide hands-on experience in pediatric care, develop skills in diagnosing and managing common pediatric conditions, and foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Learning Outcomes

• Take a comprehensive pediatric history and perform a physical examination
• Diagnose and manage common pediatric conditions
• Recognize and manage pediatric emergencies
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Course Structure

• Clinical Rotation (6 weeks)
• Lecture Series
• Case-Based Learning (CBL) Sessions

Clinical Rotation (6 weeks)

1. Each batch is rotated for 6 weeks. Morning ward activity is conducted by the designated consultant in the respective wards and it is coordinated by clinical coordinators which includes ward rounds, history taking, clinical methods & bedside teaching and observer status in minor procedures. Evening ward activity is conducted by clinical coordinators which also includes reinforcement of clinical skills, teaching clinical methods and polishing history taking skills to reach the diagnosis, daily endorsement of cases on log books. The 5th week of clinical rotation is designated for DOP's on which small procedures like NG, Foley’s, attachment of nasal cannula which have been taught during 4 weeks are assessed by Senior consultants under supervision.
2. Lecture Series: Regular lectures are delivered which cover key topics in pediatrics, including neonatal care, infectious diseases, pediatric emergencies, paediatric cardiology, oncology, and haematology.
3. Case-Based Learning (CBL) Sessions: Students are engaged in interactive case discussions via CBL sessions which are conducted for 4 days every week for Final Year MBBS and twice weekly for 4th Year MBBS.

Assessment

At the end of each clinical rotation (on last day) ward test is taken to assess the history taking skills and clinical methods. Intra Modular exam is taken every 6 weekly. Every batch of students is subjected to Modular exam. On average each batch has to undergo theoretical & clinical assessment twice during each rotation. Total 3 Modular exams (12 weekly) & 3 Intra modular exams (6 weekly) including 1 sendup exam (theory + practical) is conducted during whole session.

Apart from that, CBLs and weekly assessments in wards are also being done to get the best outcome from the students in modular exams, sendups, and the Final Professional Exam.