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Two practitioners, one male, one female, confer at a computer screen.

What is the PEAK Pathway?

The PEAK Pathway consists of a variety of optional activities aimed at building residents’ skill and understanding around public policy and advocacy, and planning for a career that incorporates public policy and advocacy.

Two practitioners, one male, one female, confer at a computer screen.

Who can complete the PEAK Pathway?

The PEAK Pathway is open to residents in any track at Children’s National and is designed to give residents hands-on skills in pediatric policy, equity and advocacy. Residents can develop a personalized curriculum during their elective time by completing activities and deliverables to enhance their skills. Categories of activities include:

  • Recruitment and Representation
  • Well-being
  • Research
  • Education: Antiracism and Structural Inequities
  • Advocacy for Under-resourced Patients and Communities
  • Community Partnerships

Residents can also meet with Child Health Advocacy Institute (CHAI) faculty and affiliate faculty to identify mentors who can provide guidance during their residency and beyond, and demonstrate how to incorporate policy, equity and advocacy into any pediatric career. As a result of completing the PEAK Pathway, residents will begin to develop an advocacy portfolio, a tool to document their advocacy work and accomplishments. Residents have the option to complete the pathway or to do additional work and receive the Excellence in Policy, Equity and Advocacy designation. Residents participating in the pathway will be recognized by the CHAI at residency graduation.

Getting Started

To learn more about how to get started please email Danielle Dooley, M.D. and Yael Smiley, M.D., pathway directors.