Brain Doctors: Evaluating a Mental Health Initiative for Elementary Students. WMJ 2025;124(3):283-286
Date
09/15/2025Pubmed ID
40953395Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105016275246 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brain Doctors is a community-engaged mental health education program developed using the Food Doctors model to enhance third-grade students' understanding of self and community wellness. This study serves as an evaluation of the pilot program.
METHODS: Two dynamic, interactive 1-hour sessions were created, with pre-session and post-session assessments used to measure student growth. The sessions were presented at 2 elementary schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by medical students. Feedback was gathered through participant satisfaction surveys following each session.
RESULTS: Student feedback indicated that most participants had a positive experience with the program. Pre-assessment (n = 116) and post-assessment (n = 125) results revealed areas of improvement and areas where performance declined.
DISCUSSION: The elementary students' positive response demonstrated their enthusiasm for the program. This study affirmed our perception that elementary and medical students can engage meaningfully in emotional wellness education.
Author List
Telagi P, Liu J, Johnston BAuthor
Bryan Johnston MD Associate Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
ChildFemale
Health Education
Health Promotion
Humans
Male
Mental Health
Pilot Projects
Program Evaluation
Students
Students, Medical
Wisconsin
