Eleventh Annual Mini-Med School for Kids Celebrates Graduation Day

Baltimore city youth learn about health and science

2018 marked the 11^th year that the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) hosted its annual Mini-Med School for Kids program.

This year as in the past, UMSOM physicians and researchers delivered engaging talks to students that encouraged them to consider careers in medicine and science. Prior to their graduation ceremony on August 8, students spent the summer learning about the negative health effects of smoking; asthma and allergies and their triggers; how to exercise safely; and nutrition through kid-friendly interactive classes held at the Boys and Girls Club facility in Franklin Square. This year’s faculty presenters included Laura Finkelstein, MD, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics; Erin Hager, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics; Mary Bollinger, DO, Professor of Pediatrics and University of Maryland Children's Hospital Breathmobile Medical Director; and Roy Film, PT, MPT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

‌The 2018 program concluded with a class on vaccinations, taught by two medical residents, Astrid Jules, MD and Chelsea McCabe, MD, both from Department of Family and Community Medicine. In addition, Mehreen Methab, MBBS, MPH, a UMSOM MPH alumna, encouraged the graduates to become public health advocates in their own communities and consider careers in health and research. These presentations concluded with a special ceremony in which each “graduate” was presented with a graduation certificate from E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and the John and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Medicine.

As he shook hands with each child, Dean Reece asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. “I see so much potential in all of you,” he said. “You all are world changers, and for that reason, you must aim high, stay focused, and reach for your goals. The possibilities are endless when you work hard and dream big!”

About Mini-Med School 

Mini Med School for Kids is one of many UMSOM Mini-Med School programs, including a symposium for adult seniors who are interested in the latest advances in medicine, and the UMSOM's first Mini-Med School program, which began in 2001.  The 18^th annual Mini-Med School program will begin on October 16, offering a collection of educational sessions on the topics of hypertension, exercise, nutrition, social justice, stress, and much more.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Commemorating its 211^th Anniversary, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 43 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs; and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished recipient of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research.  With an operating budget of more than $1 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic and clinically-based care for more than 1.2 million patients each year. The School has over 2,500 students, residents, and fellows, and more than $520 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total workforce of nearly 7,000 individuals. The combined School and Medical System (“University of Maryland Medicine”) has an annual budget of nearly $6 billion and an economic impact in excess of $15 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine faculty, which ranks as the 8^thhighest among public medical schools in research productivity, is an innovator in translational medicine, with 600 active patents and 24 start-up companies. The School works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu/