Curriculum for Advocacy in Resident Education (CARE)

Our social determinants of health curriculum is a longitudinal, multi-disciplinary curriculum embedded in the Y week and the noon conference lectures. Through this approach residents are able to enjoy training both within the university and community settings, learning the principles of social justice and equitable care for children and their families.

Advocacy Week during PGY-1

This weeklong rotation explores a range of advocacy topics through interactive seminars and guided visits to local community organizations, offering a firsthand look at advocacy in action.

Legislation 101
Social Determinants of Health, Community Health Needs Assessment
Session on communicating with elected officials
Workshop on crafting op-eds and newsletters

Advocacy Committee

A resident-led committee dedicated to planning and coordinating community events, sharing timely advocacy opportunities, and working closely with the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The committee also develops communication guides for engaging with legislators on key topics affecting Oklahoma's children and healthcare.

Y-Week Longitudinal Community Partnership

Yearlong collaboration with a community partner to develop and implement a meaningful community impact project, culminating in a presentation at the annual Oklahoma Chapter of the AAP conference.
Our community parterships include:

Infant Crisis Center

Infant Crisis Services provides emergency food, formula, and diapers for children from birth to age 3, serving over 25,000 families annually through its pantry and BabyMobiles. Residents tour the facility and volunteer by answering caregiver questions about child health and development and sharing educational resources.

Pivot

Pivot provides crisis intervention, shelter, counseling, education, and life skills programs for youth. Residents work with teens across various programs and may also provide staff education on health-related topics.

Palomar

Palomar provides coordinated services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, and human trafficking through its Family Justice Center model. Residents gain exposure to multidisciplinary, wraparound services for survivors.

Sooner SUCCESS

Sooner SUCCESS coordinates health, educational, and social services for children and youth with special health care needs throughout Oklahoma. Residents learn about care coordination, navigation, and systems that improve continuity of care for families.

Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read Oklahoma promotes early literacy by integrating books and reading guidance into pediatric well-child visits. Residents gain hands-on experience through clinic visits, program development, advocacy, grants, and statewide outreach efforts.