Healthcare, Economics Experts Speak to Students During Virtual COVID-19 Symposium

The symposiums, one specifically for Upper School students, the other geared toward Middle Schoolers, were presented in two parts. The first part focused on the history of pandemics as well as the science of coronavirus and how healthcare professionals are handling the disease. The second part dealt with the possible economic impact of the pandemic, the role faith and community play during times of social distancing, and the importance of mental health and well-being.

 

Dr. Henry Masur, Chief of Critical Care Medicine at National Institutes of Health Clinical Center presented to Upper School students on the history of pandemics while Dr. Brett Gamma (P’18, ’22), and Dr. Richard Nguyen (P’31, ’33), both of whom practice emergency medicine, spoke about their experiences dealing with patients who have come to the emergency room with symptoms of COVID-19. In part 2, students learned about the possible economic impact of the pandemic from Harry Holzer (P’19) (pictured) who is the John LaFarge Jr. SJ Professor of Public Policy at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and a Nonresident Senior Fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institute. They then heard from the Rev. John Harmon (P’15, ’18), the Rector of Trinity Parish in Washington, D.C., on the importance of faith and community, followed by next year’s school counselor, Robin Foreman LCPC, who encouraged students to be mindful of their mental health and well-being.

 

The topics were the same for Middle School students with different presenters. Kelly Anderson, Middle School Humanities teacher and Upper School history teacher, presented on the history of pandemics; Becca Davis ’12, a nurse based in Washington State, discussed preventative measures people can take to keep safe; Scott Corkran (P’28), who teaches AP Economics and is a Middle School teacher and advisor elaborated about the economic impact of the pandemic; the Rev. Patty Alexander (P’19, ‘21), former Chaplain to the Middle and Upper School, spoke about faith and community; and Foreman presented on mental health and well-being.

 

To view the symposium, click on the links below: