Billie Patterson, a second-year medical student in the UQ-Ochsner MD program recently presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition, an annual gathering of pediatricians, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
Held this year in Orlando, Florida, the event serves as a platform for showcasing advancements in pediatric care, sharing research, and fostering networking opportunities.
Billie hails from Erie, Pennsylvania. After completing an undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and graduate studies at Georgetown University, she embarked on her medical school journey, and now is making strides in pediatric research.
Billie and her poster presentation at the AAP Conference.
Billie's presentation, titled "Our Voices Matter Pilot Study: A Racial Justice Activism Intervention to Reduce Depression in Adolescents," examined an innovative 8-week racial justice activism (RJA) program aimed at addressing mental health issues in Black and Latinx adolescents.
Billie explains that the program significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in teens, with participants reporting a 45% decrease in depressive symptoms by the end of the intervention.
“The study highlights activism as a promising therapeutic tool for improving mental health in marginalized youth,” she said.
Billie’s work was presented both at an AAP press release conference, alongside 13 other authors, and in a poster presentation under the Section on Minority Health, Equity, and Inclusion.
“A poster presentation, is a concise visual representation of research,” Billie said.
“It allows researchers to engage with attendees, discuss their findings one-on-one, and often sparks deeper conversations about the work.”
When asked how she got involved, Billie credits her role as a research intern at ARISE Health Lab, affiliated with Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She attributes much of her research accolades to the mentorship she’s received from her physician-investigator, Dr. Heard-Garris.
“My advice to other students is to seek out a supportive research environment,” she said.
“I recommend pursuing research that resonates with you and finding mentors and a support network that can help you maximize your potential in that area.”
To prepare for the conference, Billie dove deep into her research, reviewing extensive study data and preparing for potential questions.
“It was particularly important for me to collaborate with fellow lab members, whose hard work made this study happen, so I could represent the team well during my presentations,” she said.
In addition to refining her presentation, she researched attendees so she could network with pediatricians and specialists in fields of personal interest.
“I reached out to several individuals for conversations and was able to attend outstanding presentations from leading innovators in the field.”
Reflecting on her experience, Billie calls the weekend inspiring.
“As I’m currently studying for my STEP 1 exam, I’m in the time period where many students feel overwhelmed by the academic textbook side of medicine.
“However, learning about innovative clinical applications and connecting in person with exceptional physicians reminded me of what my future medical practice will hold.”
Through her presentation and engagement at the AAP Conference, Billie exemplifies how early-career medical students can make a real impact in the world of pediatric medicine.
“I met so many incredible medical professionals during this weekend, and I am really looking forward to reconnecting with them at future conferences,” she said.
