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Student Docs For Tots at George Washington University participate in a Reach Out and Read Training Session

On March 6th, 2007 at George Washington University Medical School, Student Docs For Tots hosted a Reach Out and Reading training.  Joan Wabschall and Rachael Walker lead the students in an interactive and engaging lesson on early literacy skills and a doctor’s role in highlighting the connection between learning, health, and development.  The empowered students can now promote literacy out in the community by volunteering as readers at local pediatric health clinics.

Reach Out and Read is a national program that promotes early literacy by incorporating reading aloud, advice for parents, and books into well-child visits.  Reach Out and Read of Metro DC serves a large majority of the more than 18,000 low income children under age six that the National Center for Children in Poverty reports currently live in the District of Columbia.  Reach Out and Read of Metro DC also serves children from low-income families in Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. 

The goal of Reach Out and Read is not to teach children how to read, but to establish the early foundations for literacy – learning to love books, enjoying the meaning of books, learning how books work, discovering that print has meaning, and memorizing simple books.  The students, having completed this training, will now be able to volunteer as readers in waiting rooms, providing a positive read-aloud experience for children. 

“The training helped reinforce the important of early literacy and how as doctors being cognizant of where children are developmentally is an important aspect of their health,” said Dominique Rash, GW SDFT co-liaison.

To learn more about Reach Out and Read and become a volunteer, please contact Kelly Bowes.

Dr. Robert Zarr speaks to Student Docs For Tots

Dr. Robert Zarr, Chief of Pediatrics at Unity Health Care, spoke with 20 George Washington University Medical Students about the state of health insurance in the United States, citing specific health statistics from the District of Columbia.   Dr. Zarr addressed the importance of care in the early years, stating that the years between 0 to 3 years are critical for health and development, but this is also the period of a child’s life that receives the least amount of health insurance funding.  When students asked questions about ways to improve the system, Dr. Zarr provided the following guidance: (1) educate yourself on the issues, (2) read and continue to read the latest information on health care, (3) learn about and support legislation that will assist in resolving the current situation in our country.   

SDFT Alumni Featured in the Baby Monitor
Former medical students and co-liaisons of Student Docs For Tots at George Washington University Medical school Laleisha Peterson and Bahar Hashemi were featured in November 27th, 2006 Baby Monitor e-newsletter.  The article entitled “Loud and Clear: Advocates Raising Their Voices for Babies & Toddlers” highlighted Laleisha and Bahar’s work in founding Student Docs For Tots.  To read the article click here.