Reprinted from the MUSC Catalyst,
March 21, 2008.

The latest evidence-based information related to pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) topics is available through the
Internet for physician assistant (PA) students and faculty.
 
MUSC PA Program researched the
potential gaps in the education
necessary for PAs to be knowledgeable
in the care of acutely ill or injured
children.

In 2006, every PA program in the nation was surveyed to  determine the acquisition of pediatric emergency medicine learning objectives within curricula. From this survey the PAPEM steering committee, consisting of PA program faculty, PEM board certified physicians and practicing PAs, developed educational content areas for publication to the PAPEM Web site. The goal is to facilitate faculty instruction and increase student knowledge related to PEM by providing a readily available resource on the Internet.
  
There are four PEM content areas within the site (http://www.musc.edu/chp/papem) addressing issues of the critically ill child, infectious diseases, pharmacotherapeutics and toxicology, as well as psychosocial issues in PEM. The information is presented in an interactive lecture format with simultaneous video and slide presentations or stand alone video (for procedures, and cases-based interactive presentations.
 
PA program faculty are encouraged to review the material and include the material in course syllabi when appropriate. Students should visit the site to expand their knowledge in order to better prepare to address the health issues of the acutely ill or injured child.
 
The material published to this site was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Emergency Medical Services for Children.
 
For information, contact Paul Jacques at jacquesp@musc.edu or 792-2649.

Friday, March 21, 2008
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.