| Devon Hahn Recognized as 2006-2007 Outstanding Adopt-A-Doc |
When Dr. Devon Hahn visits Washington Irving Elementary in Edmond, students prepare themselves for an unusual presentation. Instead of simply lecturing on the don’ts of tobacco use, Dr. Hahn takes it a step further with a visual display of “smoker’s lungs”. Students not only have a chance to touch and pump the lungs with air, but get to witness first-hand the negative effects of tobacco use.
During her three years serving as an Adopt-a-Doc at Washington Irving, Dr. Hahn has touched the lives of many students. Most recently, Dr. Hahn helped with the National Tar Wars poster contest and helped select winners for the school.The positive impact she has made has been well recognized by students, staff and parents alike. Christine Lugafet, PE teacher and SHL co-coordinator said, “Dr. Hahn is excellent with the students and has helped make a huge impact at our school with living a tobacco free life”.
| Adopt-A-Doc Program: |
The Adopt-A-Doc role is two-fold: First, the physician may serve on the school health advisory committee already established at the school. This committee meets once a month to guide the implementation of the SHL program.
While most doctors will not have a great deal of time to devote on a monthly basis, the Adopt-A-Doc may serve as a medical expert for the school health committee by providing information and guidance for the SHL program. Several schools have utilized Adopt-A-Docs as a clinical resource to provide medical services and referrals including basic health screenings and physicals for uninsured or at-risk students.
The second role of the Adopt-A-Doc is that of an educational resource for students, parents and school faculty. The Adopt-A-Doc may:
| 1. | Make classroom presentations |
|
|
| 2. | Provide presentations to staff and parents according to assessed needs and interests |
| 3. | Broadcast health messages over the school public address system as part of daily announcements |
| 4. | Connect the school with available community health resources |
| 5. | Participate in existing school health activities and projects (Jump rope for heart, Safe Kids Coalition activities, etc.) |
| 6. | Assist with required physical fitness testing and health education assessment |
The school health committee will determine specific activities for volunteer health professionals based on school community needs and interests. SHL believes it is important to allow the schools flexibility and creativity in how they implement their programs based on need; however, recommended curriculum and resources are provided. Although the Adopt-A-Doc activities and time commitment may vary from school to school, the physician’s role at every site will be advisor, consultant and educator.
Any physician may volunteer to become an Adopt-A-Doc. One, and sometimes two, doctors are matched with each SHL school. For convenience, school assignments will be made as close as possible to the doctor’s practice or residence.
If you are interested in becoming an Adopt-A-Doc or would like further information, please contact us.
