As an undergraduate student at the University of Miami majoring in Psychology with minors in English and Chemistry, Emily began her journey with the HealthySteps Program working as a student assistant. Her responsibilities included data entry and helping with monthly parent groups (Family Fun Nights). According to Emily, she always wanted to work with kids; therefore, her work with the HealthySteps families aligned perfectly with her goals and served as “…a perfect intro to [her] work in pediatrics.” Her time with us as a student assistant also helped her realize the many factors that contribute to child development.
Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Emily went on to obtain a master’s degree in biomedical science, which helped her achieve her next career goal of being accepted into medical school. Along the way, Emily also became a mom to a baby girl, which led to her next experience with the HealthySteps Program—this time as a client. Her baby’s pediatrician works at one of UM’s clinics where the HealthySteps Program offers services. According to Emily, “It was such a nice resource to have!” She explained that it was especially helpful that the HealthySteps Specialists check not just on the baby’s development but also on the moms. “For the most part, no one else is asking how you are doing, especially during the early postpartum period. The doctors only have so much time with you, so they have to focus on the baby… It felt like you’re well taken care of.”
Currently, Emily is a third-year medical student completing her research requirement with the HealthySteps Program. She’s conducting a study examining the impact of screen time on children’s language development. She explained that the idea for this project stemmed mainly from her experience raising her daughter. She recognizes the struggle many parents face in balancing work and parenting responsibilities. “I found myself thinking I can just put her in front of the TV…” in order to get work done. At the same time, she was aware of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations regarding screen time use for young children and wondered about the impact this could have on her daughter’s development. When asked how she’s managed to minimize screen time with her daughter, who is now five years old, she explained, “Creating other habits and redirecting her to other activities has helped.”
Reflecting on her journey with HealthySteps, Emily added, “I got really lucky with where I got placed as an undergrad… now I get to give back to the program with my research…”
