Johns Hopkins medical students from the School of Medicine’s School Health Initiative (SHI) joined Rales Health Center Medical Director Dr. Kate Connor at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Washington D.C. to learn about school health and to share their work. Dr. Connor led the AAP Council on School Health (COSH)’s Educational Program, which focused on the prevention of chronic school absenteeism and featured a panel of national experts. During the COSH abstract program, SHI board member Connie Cai (2nd year medical student) presented on the development and operation of the SHI including their projects focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting students with chronic health conditions, and education. Connie’s presentation sparked a robust discussion among attendees who felt this exemplary partnership between medical students and a school health program could serve as a national model.
