Pediatric hospitalists' influences on education and career plans.

Background: Pediatric hospitalist (PH) presence is rapidly increasing, yet little is known about pediatric resident exposure to hospitalists, or how this affects resident education/career decisions.

Objectives: To determine resident exposure to pediatric hospitalists; examine resident opinions regarding hospitalists' roles; examine resident opinion of hospital medicine career training needs; explore how resident exposure to hospitalists affects career choices.

Methods: Survey of random sample of 300 residents from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Residents database.

Pediatric hospital medicine: a strategic planning roundtable to chart the future.

Given the growing field of Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) and the need to define strategic direction, the Society of Hospital Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Academic Pediatric Association sponsored a roundtable to discuss the future of the field. Twenty-one leaders were invited plus a facilitator utilizing established health care strategic planning methods. A "vision statement" was developed.

Pharmacokinetic study of oral prednisolone compared with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis.

Objective: To determine areas under the curve (AUCs) of oral prednisolone (OP) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) and assess the association with nailfold end-row loops (ERLs). Patients with active disease have fewer ERLs that possibly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing absorption of oral medications.

Methods: Six patients with juvenile DM received 50 mg/m(2) of OP (day 1) and IVMP (day 2).

Community pediatricians collaborate with hospitalists to build a ward service.

Variations in hospitalist models carry advantages and disadvantages, many of which can be elucidated through the guidance of an experienced consultant or director. Implementation presents several challenges. Although there are common themes among various types of hospitalist programs, the specific activities of the team must be carefully tailored to the needs of the ward.