Six students earn travel scholarships for state pediatrics meeting

Medical students, from left, Hope Lund, Emily Cleveland, Sarah Jackson, Justine Magadia, Kahlea Haladwala and Kara Nix attend the Alabama Chapter of the AAP meeting. 

With a goal of learning more about careers in pediatrics, six medical students recently received travel scholarships to attend the spring meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics held in April in Gulf Shores.

The Whiddon College of Medicine students, in their third year of training, included Hope Lund, Emily Cleveland, Sarah Jackson, Justine Magadia, Kahlea Haladwala and Kara Nix.

Benjamin Estrada, M.D., a pediatric infectious diseases physician who is professor and vice chair of pediatrics for the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the students were selected to receive scholarships based on their academic performance, interest in pediatrics, and future career choices.

During the two-day meeting, students enhanced their knowledge in clinical aspects of pediatrics and health issues affecting children in Alabama. In addition, they were able to network with other medical students and pediatricians within the state.

The Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is the only statewide member organization of pediatricians, with 850 members, representing both academic and community pediatrics. The organization is operated by a volunteer board of directors and executive staff in Montgomery.