BEHIND THE LENS

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Recently, Canadian youth have been frequently featured in the news. Unfortunately, headlines vary from bullying induced suicide, mental health related gun violence, resurgence of syphilis, increased rates of new HIV cases, and antibiotic resistant gonorrhea.

 

It is becoming increasingly apparent that pre-teens, teenagers and young adults experience many unique changes during the time of development known as “Adolescence”. However, exposure to this population during medical training can be sparse. Thus, I believe there is an increased need for Family Medicine Resident, Medical Student and Nurse Practitioner training/exposure to these issues.

 

It’s my hope that this toolbox will be able to help educate medical trainees to meet the growing needs of youth in the community. Specifically, to meet the increasing mental and sexual health needs of adolescents in the GTA.

 

I hope this kit will teach students how to provide an open environment where they can empower youth with accurate knowledge that will help them take control of their lives and bodies.

 

It is also my hope that this will help learners recognize and appropriately address issues specific to the youth that may present to their own practices in the future.

 

~Aarti

 

“A funny thing happens when you tell kids they matter…..they believe you” ~ Source Unknown