Premed fellows provided free EKG screenings for high school athletes as a public health effort to detect heart conditions and safeguard young people from unforeseen health issues. In partnership with the LongLiveJJ, as well as Who We Play For, a Florida-based national group supporting EKG screenings for high schoolers, premed fellows conducted 90 voluntary EKGs for high schoolers over three days at 1) Pioneer Charter School of Science I in Everett, MA, 2) Pioneer Charter School of Science II in Saugus, MA, 3) Foxborough Regional Charter School in Foxborough, MA, 4) South Shore Charter Public School in Norwell, MA, 5) Roxbury Prep High School in Roxbury, MA, and 6) Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, MA. Premed fellows also testified for Act H4622, a joint petition to increase access to EKG screenings for youth athletes.

Health screenings are vital, especially for young people who typically exhibit no symptoms of hidden cardiac issues. EKG screenings can uncover abnormal heart conditions, which can enable lifestyle adjustments or life-saving interventions before it is too late. The screenings are also a way to provide health and safety education to families. Through this collaboration, premed fellows were able to advocate for increasing awareness, education, and public health efforts about cardiac health in youth athletes. This partnership reflects our commitment not only to skin health but also to making a meaningful difference in the broader community we serve.