Young Doctors Program: Teaching Health Literacy to Fifth Graders
Author Information
Author(s): Sposet Samantha, Fabich Riley, McEchron Matthew
Primary Institution: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
Can a health education program improve health literacy and awareness of osteopathic medicine among fifth-grade students?
Conclusion
The Young Doctors Program successfully enhanced health literacy and community engagement among elementary school children.
Supporting Evidence
- The program was able to accommodate every fifth-grade student who applied each semester.
- Parents expressed gratitude for the early exposure to healthcare practices and careers.
- Students retained information from previous course sessions during patient simulations.
Takeaway
This program teaches fifth graders about health and medicine, helping them understand how to take care of their bodies and consider careers in healthcare.
Methodology
The program involved medical students teaching health literacy through a structured curriculum to fifth graders, including interactive lessons and patient simulations.
Limitations
Challenges included curriculum design, securing resources, and limited data collection due to IRB restrictions.
Participant Demographics
Fifth-grade elementary school children in Parker, Colorado.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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