Teaching social determinants of child health in a pediatric advocacy rotation: small intervention, big impact.

BACKGROUND Traditionally, medical education does not specifically address the social determinants of health or how to advocate for families' cultural, social or economic needs in spite of our increasingly diverse society. AIM This article describes a new social-legal curriculum added to a Pediatric Resident's Advocacy course. METHODS Pediatric interns completed 'Memos To Myself' after the Advocacy rotation. RESULTS The curriculum impacted residents' (1) realization regarding family circumstances; (2) reflections regarding self and personal practice; and (3) knowledge about advocacy issues and community partnerships for solutions. CONCLUSIONS This curriculum raised awareness about topics that are traditionally not covered in medical education.