PEDS 659 – Pediatric Clinical Clerkship – Billings, MT
Billings is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Montana, with a population of 117,116 as of the 2020 census. Located in the south-central portion of the state, it is the seat of Yellowstone County and the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Area. With one of the largest trade areas in the United States, Billings is the trade and distribution center for much of Montana east of the Continental Divide. Billings is also the largest retail destination for much of the same area. The Billings Chamber of Commerce claims the area of commerce covers more than 125,000 square miles.
Billings is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents and visitors enjoy biking, running, kayaking, whitewater rafting, tubing, rock climbing and golfing most months of the year. In the winter, there is skiing at nearby Red Lodge Mountain and Big Sky is only three hours away.
Billings Clinic
2800 10th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
P: (406) 238-2500
Children’s Clinic of Billings
3401 Avenue E
Billings, MT 59102
P: (406) 281-8750
St. Vincent Regional Hospital
1233 North 30th Street
Billings, MT 59101
P: (406) 657-7000
123 South 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
P: (406) 247-3200
Site Directors
Billings Track Coordinator
Regional Office Administrator
Credentialing
A standard 6 panel drug test through the SOM is required. Order a drug test through the SOM here.
6-8 weeks prior to your rotation: Jenny Jutz will initiate your site credentialing. Please respond to all email communication and provide required paperwork as soon as possible. Information regarding site, housing and orientation materials will also be provided at this time.
4-6 weeks prior to your rotation: Judi Sullivan with the Medical Student Office will initiate a two-step online onboarding process, which will need to be completed as soon as possible. Your mandatory orientation will take place on your first day of the rotation.
2-4 weeks prior to your rotation: you will receive second email from Jenny Jutz, introducing you to your preceptor you will be scheduled with. This introduction will give your preceptor the opportunity to provide you with specific instructions and expectations for your first day and rotation.
NOTE: Orientations in Billings are always held on the first Monday of the rotation at both sites; Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare.
Housing
Three houses are available for WWAMI students, with third year students receiving priority. The homes are for students use only. The homes are not family friendly, and there are absolutely NO pets allowed. The homes are fully furnished, and have dishes, linens, a refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Students are to provide personal items and laundry detergent. Amenities include television, cable, and wireless internet.
Transportation
A personal automobile is required, as transportation is not provided. You will be within walking distance of the hospitals, but not any outpatient clinics.
Experience
This is a general introductory inpatient and outpatient pediatric clerkship experience that takes place in two active pediatric group practices (The Children’s Clinic PC and Billings Clinic/Pediatrics). Students are exposed to foundational diseases and conditions and a significant amount of child maintenance and well care, giving exposure to normal growth and development, routine behavioral issues, anticipatory guidance, etc.
Weekly rounds are offered at Billings Clinic and St. Vincent’s Healthcare. Weekly didactics are offered at RiverStone Health. Please reach out to Jenny Jutz for more information.
During your time in Billings, there may be a student event planned, known as “Frank Discussions”, named after Frank Newman. Frank is one of the founders at MSU and became the director of the MSU branch of the WWAMI program. Frank directed other health professional programs including the Montana Family Practice Residency Program, the Montana Area Health Education Center, and the Montana Office of Rural Health. If an event is planned during your time in Billings, you will receive information from Jenny Jutz.
Activities
During your stay, you will have many outdoor opportunities. Billings is a great place for biking, running, kayaking, whitewater rafting, tubing, rock climbing and golf most months of the year. There is skiing at nearby Red Lodge Mountain in the winter months or Big Sky, MT is only 3 hours away. Billings is situated in the middle of Yellowstone Valley. There are cultural opportunities in the Lewis & Clark and the Native American centers. Many indoor opportunities exist in Billings, as well. The exploring is endless!