INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH, THROUGH THE ART OF MEDICINE

 

​Young Doctors Project (YDP) is a ​multi-generational mentoring, education, and pipeline to health careers​ program for high school boys in Southeast Washington, DC. Through intensive summer programs and Saturday academies at Howard University, YDP participants are trained in preventive medicine, mental health, and health issues in underserved communities.Selected youth join YDP during their freshmen year of high school and remain in the program until graduation.

 

After one year of training in the summer program and Saturday academies, the "young doctors" begin the service learning component of the program, which includes conducting free health clinics in their community under the supervision of YDP staff doctors.With the support of Howard University's Department of Psychology and College of Medicine, the Young Doctors are equipped to address Washington, DC's health disparities head-on.

​

​

SUMMER HEALTH ACADEMY

During the 4-week Young Doctors' summer program at Washington, D.C.’s Howard University, YDP students are educated on the dietary and health risks challenging our community. The summer classes are led by teacher/mentors who are doctoral students in Howard University's College of Medicine and Department of Psychology.

YDP students are introduced to basic healthcare and screenings, various public health issues affecting their community, and are challenged to serve as advocates for awareness. The training will continue during the school year at Saturday Morning Health Institutes.


THE IMPACT

After a year of training, YDP students, conduct mobile health clinics at Southeast parks, neighborhood recreation centers, and churches. These clinics occur under the supervision of YDP staff doctors.

The Young Doctors perform blood pressure screenings, BMI and obesity measurements, vision exams, mental status evaluations, and other basic health screenings. The Young Doctors also conduct nutrition seminars and educate their families and communities about healthy food options.

In sum, YDP uses the social capital of youth to increase the health outcomes in their community, while building their capacity as students and the health professionals of tomorrow.