Integrating Bright Futures Into Medical Education and Training

Abstract

<P>During the last few decades, pediatric healthcare professionals have faced increased demands to address the increasingly complex behavioral, social, and health conditions experienced by today’s children and families. At a time when it is most critical for the workforce to comprise an adept, multi-skilled cadre of professionals, the <cite>Bright Futures Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents</cite>, third edition, provides guidelines for pediatric clinicians to fulfill necessary competencies and supplement their clinical skills with developmental and behavioral knowledge to treat the whole child.</P><H4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</H4><P>Rebecca A. Stoltz, MPH, resides in Brookline, MA; Kara Connors, MPH, is with Bridgeway Health Associates, Concord, MA; Justine Blum is a junior at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, and a research assistant at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH;. Henry H. Bernstein, DO, is Chief, General Academic Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, and Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH.</P><P>Address correspondence to Henry H. Bernstein, DO, Chief, General Academic Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.</P><P>Ms. Stoltz and Ms. Connors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Dr. Bernstein has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB): Research Grant Support; and Springer Publisher: Book writing contract.</P><H4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</H4><OL><LI>Describe the changes necessary in medical education to assure the healthcare provider is able to deliver culturally competent, comprehensive health maintenance to today’s children.</LI><LI>Discuss continuous professional development in light of increasingly available individualized education programs.</LI><LI>Review the content of select educational programs available to the practicing healthcare provider.</LI></OL>