A Q&A with Dr. Sana Ahmed, MD

Meet Dr. Sana Ahmed, a passionate MD dedicated to helping adolescents navigate their health and wellness. After completing her residency at the University of Michigan, she spent years working at Ypsi Health and Corner Health. In 2017, a grant opportunity led her to join the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS), focusing on providing accessible care and support to young people in the community. We sat with Dr. Ahmed to learn about her journey, the challenges facing today’s youth, and the impactful work being done at RAHS to make a difference in their lives.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became involved with the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS).

I finished my residency at the University of Michigan with a keen interest in adolescent medicine. My primary sites were Ypsi Health and Corner Health for about 8-9 years. Around 2017, I transitioned into working with the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS) due to an Ethel & James Flinn Foundation grant that aimed to provide more behavioral/mental health supports in RAHS school-based health centers. Currently, I see patients two days a week at RAHS-Ypsilanti Community High school-based health center.

2. What inspired you to focus your practice on promoting adolescent health within schools and communities, and what do you believe are the most pressing health issues facing young people today?

Adolescent health has always fascinated me. Adolescents are in a unique phase of development, navigating significant brain and body changes while forming their identities and learning to advocate for their physical and mental health. This intersection of clinical interest and patient population (underserved and adolescent) really drew me to the school-based clinics.

My RAHS school-based health practice offers youth-friendly access for patients and their families and aligns well with the patient demographic I serve at Ypsilanti Health Center and Corner Health.

Regarding pressing health issues, mental health stands out as a significant concern, exacerbated by factors like social media, poverty, family trauma, and social determinants of health. Additionally, issues like nutrition and obesity, coupled with limited access to healthy foods, pose significant challenges as well. The affordability and availability of unhealthy foods only exacerbate the problem.

3. Could you describe a particularly impactful initiative or program that you and/or RAHS has implemented? How did it positively affect the students and the community?

Unfortunately, what I quickly realized after I started working at the RAHS clinics, is that many of our patients struggle just to get to school. The RAHS system creates easy access points to our patients, who would otherwise not be seen at all.  One of the most impactful initiatives implemented by RAHS is providing essential services and resources that fill access and care gaps for youth. Programs such as the Mobile Unit for dental and vision services, along with initiatives like the STI Blitz, have positively affected students and the community by addressing crucial healthcare needs. Basic resources like hygiene kits and food boxes not only fulfill practical needs but also signal to youth that RAHS supports them beyond the walls of the health center.  One of the greatest supports RAHS offers is counseling and social work services.

4. How do you collaborate with schools, educators, youth, and families to implement health promotion strategies, and what role do you see partnerships playing in improving adolescent health and wellness as well as improving the relationship of Michigan Medicine with youth and community?

Collaboration is the cornerstone of our approach to health. We work closely with schools, educators, community organizations, youth, and families to implement strategies effectively. Pulling in key individuals and organizations helps address the diverse issues adolescents face. Collaborating with schools is particularly important, as they serve as the primary access point for youth. Strengthening partnerships with entities like school districts Nutrition Departments can enhance initiatives like promoting healthy eating. The University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine brand ensures visibility and familiarity with our services. The crossover between RAHS and my work at Ypsi Health helps reinforce our presence and benefits the community.

5. In your experience, what are some effective methods for engaging youth and families in prioritizing and maintaining their health and well-being, especially in underserved communities?

Effective engagement with youth and families in underserved communities requires a multifaceted approach. First, creating opportunities for accessible healthcare services is key. Second, listening to the patients’ needs and priorities is equally important, building trust and rapport hinges on genuinely hearing and understanding their concerns. Additionally, providing a wide range of resources ensures that individuals can address the full range of their health and well-being needs.

Through a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by adolescents, Dr. Ahmed has significantly contributed to promoting health and wellness in school settings. Her work with RAHS exemplifies how school-based health centers can effectively bridge care gaps and provide essential services to underserved youth. By engaging with youth, families, schools, and communities, and leveraging partnerships, she has helped RAHS implement programs that address both immediate and long-term health needs, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare, mental health support, and holistic wellness strategies in fostering healthier futures for young people.