Pediatric residents' experiences of a clinical rotation in Adolescent Medicine.
BACKGROUND
Although Adolescent Medicine is a pediatric subspecialty, it addresses many issues that differ from other aspects of pediatrics clinical training. The aim of this study was to explore the general experiences of pediatric residents during their rotations in Adolescent Medicine.


METHODS
Qualitative methods were applied. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with pediatric residents who had completed a rotation in Adolescent Medicine. Emergent themes were identified.


RESULTS
Three key themes emerged: gaining exposure, taking on a professional role, and achieving self-awareness. Subcategories were also identified. There was particular emphasis on the multidisciplinary team and the biopsychosocial approach to adolescent health care.


CONCLUSIONS
The experiences in Adolescent Medicine reflected residents' learning, notably gains in the "non-expert" as well as "medical expert" physician competencies. Future studies should explore how the interprofessional nature of an Adolescent Medicine team and the patient populations themselves contribute to this learning.
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. buhairanfs@ngha.med.sa
Fadia
F
Albuhairan
Karen
K
Leslie
Eudice
E
Goldberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000193:education*; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*