University medical and social researchers will join health care professionals from across the state tomorrow to promote the welfare and vitality of children at the fifth annual Medstart Conference.
"The idea is to try to fill the gaps that we, as medical students, see in the medical curriculum," said Miguel Suarez-Benet, one of the conference's organizers. "It's wide enough that medical, nursing, dentistry, law and public health students attend, and professionals from those areas often come as well."
The Medstart Conference, organized and funded by students, will consist of three workshop sessions at the School of Medicine. Health care experts, activists and students plan to exchange knowledge on issues ranging from poverty, violence, teen pregnancy, AIDS and tobacco usage.
Suarez-Benet said the conference began in order to complement medical students' scientific education with the social implications of the field. Among the participants this year are award-winning author Jonathan Kozol and motivational speaker Dr. Timothy Jordan.
Kozol, the keynote speaker, has written several well-known books about children and families, and has pioneered adult literacy programs throughout the nation. His recent book, "Savage Inequalities: Children In America's Schools," was a finalist for the 1993 National Book Critics Award.
Social Work and Public Policy Prof. Sheldon Danziger, who will be discussing the impact of welfare reform plans on children, said he hopes social science and medical students will take interest in welfare reform and decide to research or practice in that field.
"My own intention would be that attending students would get involved in the topic and pursue research projects depending on their interest in the area," Danziger said.
By bringing together professionals and leaders from various fields, the Medstart Conference seeks to address many problems facing today's children and adolescents through an interdisciplinary approach.
Educators will demonstrate how various disciplines interact by presenting the specific roles each one plays in child and health safety issues.
Angela Wandera, assistant professor of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, said her presentation will link oral health issues with the theme of the conference.
"It's going to be in keeping with the theme of the conference," Wandera said. "We're trying to ensure a promising and secure future for the children of Michigan, and of the world, by increasing education and access to care."
Mary Schwartz, program coordinator for the conference, praised student volunteers for the enormous amount of time and energy she said they put into planning the conference.
"It requires a tremendous investment by the medical students who are involved in the program," Schwartz said.
Suarez-Benet said he is excited to have Kozol and Jordan participating, and expects between 300 and 400 people to attend.
The Medstart Conference will begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow in the Towsley Center of the University Medical School. Workshops will run until 5:45. Student fees are $15; non-student fees are $40.