Eighth Grade Student Presents Research at Blue Ridge HealthCare

Explore, Acquire, Excel. This is the statement on much of our MDS material, and Madison has done just that. At the beginning of the year, Madison decided she wanted to learn more about patients with dementia and figure out a way she could help. As part of her 8th Grade Personal Project, she researched how art impacts patients with dementia and proceeded to plan and implement several art classes for Grace Ridge. Her research went hand-in-hand with what the students were learning for their Future City project and after talking with Dr. Sharafsalah, she realized that the elderly population is rapidly increasing. She drew the conclusion that this has many implications for many occupations, including health care providers.

With the help and encouragement of Dr. Sharafsalah, Madison entered a research competition and created a poster presentation for the resident doctors and interns of Blue Ridge Healthcare. "The hospital is trying to focus on research and providing learning opportunities as they look to the future, " Madison explained.Madison presented her research, ideas, and conclusions about the future of geriatric care. She received positive feedback and was encouraged to pursue this project.