April 7, 2003 Focus Upcoming Student Scene Spotlight

Spotlight Students Learn About Living with Genetic Disabilities Julie Marie Ellis Photo by Graham Ramsay At right, Julie Marie Ellis, who has Williams syndrome, spoke with medical and dental students at the "More to Life than Genes" luncheon series on April 1. Three people with Williams syndrome and their parents had lunch with 80 medical and dental students, providing them with a broader perspective on life with a disability than they are able to gain from classes and clinical experiences. The five-part, weekly series encourages intimate patient and family contact in a low-stress, comfortable environment. The focus is not medical, although medical information is available, but on meeting new people and learning about their lives. Each luncheon promotes both cultural sensitivity and positive professional development and has changed many preconceptions about living with a disability. The series was designed and implemented by first-years Dorothy Weiss and Travis Hinson and second-year Brian Skotko. Support was provided by the Office of Enrichment Programs, the Human Resources Department, the Academic Societies, and the first-year New Pathway course "Genes, Development and Reproductive Biology." Previous luncheons have provided students and others with the opportunity to meet people with Tay Sachs and Down syndrome. Upcoming luncheons, which will take place from 1:30 to 2:30, will focus on living with Rett syndrome (April 8 in the TMEC, room 227) and provide an opportunity to work through real case experiences with genetic counselors (April 14 in the Vanderbilt common room). The lunch series is open to the entire HMS and HSDM community. For more information, contact Dorothy Weiss, Brian Skotko, or Travis Hinson.

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