Stephan Hittmann, an internationally recognized public health expert, continues to discuss medical treatment in schools.

1. Stephan Hittmann on Medical
Treatment in Schools (Part 2 of
2)
Stephan Hittmann, an internationally recognized
public health expert, continues to discuss medical
treatment in schools.

2. Question: How can schools provide
adequate medical care for their students?
Stephan Hittmann: Some schools have
contracted with local hospitals and other health
care providers to start school-based medical
clinics. These clinics provide full-service
medical care to students on school grounds.
Staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and
nurses, the clinics give students convenient,
affordable access to care. For instance, each
year many students are sent to the emergency
room for asthma attacks because schools lack
adequate medications, nurses, or facilities. The
clinics allow children to receive care on site,
reducing hospital visits and making it possible
for students to return to class.

3. Question: How do you expect
school medical care to change in
the future?Stephan Hittmann: I think school-based medical
clinics will become more common. The federal
government has realized that they save money
and has earmarked funding to encourage
districts to adopt the model. I also think that
more teachers will receive basic medical
training. When so many students come to class
with chronic illnesses, teachers need to have
the basic knowledge and skills to cope with
common medical problems. Finally, it seems
likely that schools will soon play a central role in
public health initiatives. With so many parents
unable to take their children to the doctor,
schools will serve as a hub for vaccinations,
obesity prevention, and even basic primary
care.