Pediatrics

We've been learning about pediatrics the past few weeks. I really enjoy it; kids are fun, they're cute, and the whole development aspect is interesting. A lot of the physiology is really fascinating: jaundice in neonates, congenital heart defects, vesicoureteral reflux. We've watched a lot of videos about pediatrics: the neonatal resuscitation, the sequence of normal development, the infant neurologic exam. I think what I love about kids is their innocence. They learn and grow so quickly, playing and being silly, it's wonderful.

We also had some families come talk to us about having kids with a chronic condition. Yesterday, a mother came and talked about her adopted son who was developmentally delayed and how much they had to work to get the resources they needed to help him develop. Today, a family of an eight year old with Down's syndrome came to talk to us. They were incredibly open with the stages of grief they went through when they found out (the prenatal AFP screen gave a false negative). Now, you can tell they absolutely love their eight year old. She talked a bit to us and was incredibly cute (but shy). Afterwards, a few of us went up to talk to her in person. The greatest thing happened. One of our classmates Jackie went to the same elementary school that she goes to, and upon discovering this fact, they sang their elementary school song together. It made my day.