The Mission of the Pediatric Department
- To educate and train family medicine residents in the field of general pediatric and adolescent medicine so they are prepared to manage the health and welfare of children, especially in Alabama.
- To educate and train medical students in the field of general pediatric and adolescent medicine so they have an understanding of the unique needs and special skills required to manage the health and welfare of children.
- To provide services to area children to enable the medical education of the residents and students to take place.
- To engage in research to improve the clinical care of the children of Alabama, especially West Alabama, to support the education and service components of our college and The University of Alabama School of Medicine.

Pediatric Clinic Director Karen Burgess, M.D. Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Medical Student Education
Welcome to Pediatrics! During rotations in our department, you will have the opportunity to become part of a health-care team with a responsibility to care for and to treat chronically and acutely ill children. Through this process, you will learn about common pediatric disorders, health maintenance in children, and child advocacy. Regardless of your anticipated career choice, you will need a strong foundation in pediatrics. Continue Reading