Abstract
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It is no surprise to hear from many physicians, dentists, medical students, and residents that their training in breastfeeding and human lactation was either nonexistent or minimal at best. Many doctors-in-training lack physician role models or teachers in breastfeeding. Their first exposure usually takes place in medical centers and hospitals where the emphasis is on disease and not the importance that breastfeeding has on public health and disease prevention.
The ABM applauds the efforts of our members who have helped to educate and encourage medical students and residents. We have several great examples of physicians who have devoted their successful practices to breastfeeding medicine and invited students and residents to learn from them. We have seen the development of breastfeeding fellowships that offer opportunities for students and residents to expand their expertise in the field. We hear from many of our ABM members who give lectures to medical students and residents and who lead hospital rounds devoted to breastfeeding and lactation. These activities have educated, encouraged, and empowered young physicians and dentists to support breastfeeding.
The ABM has always welcomed doctors-in-training to attend our annual meetings. I have been impressed by the number of students and residents who attend our annual conference and by the enthusiasm they bring to our meetings. We have had some excellent abstract and poster presentations by students and residents presented at our annual conference, which shows their commitment to research in the field. Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of student and resident members in the ABM and this is encouraging for the future of the organization.
Understanding their needs and realizing the importance that doctors-in-training are to the future of the ABM, your board of directors has wisely changed our bylaws to allow them to have a greater voice in the governance of ABM. This year we will have two nonvoting doctors-in-training members serving on the ABM Board for 1-year terms.
With ABM's dedication to serving the needs of doctors-in-training will come some new commitments on the part of our membership. We need to look for opportunities to be involved in the education of medical and dental students and residents. This can be done in their residencies, medical or dental schools, in the hospital, or in your private office. Lectures, hosting an interest group or taking the time one-on-one to educate and fill the gaps in their breastfeeding knowledge, will all be needed and appreciated. Your sponsorship of doctors-in-training to be members of the ABM or attend our annual international conference or a regional meeting would be greatly appreciated. Student and resident membership and conference registration are at a reduced cost and we appreciate ABM members who have sponsored them in the past.
Students and residents are encouraged to give breastfeeding and human lactation presentations to their peers. They are also are encouraged to incorporate breastfeeding and human lactation in their research projects and present them at local meetings or submit them as a poster or presentation at an ABM conference. I would encourage our regional coordinators and regional conference committee chairs to look for opportunities to incorporate students and resident/registrars into their educational events.
Students and residents are encouraged to talk with other ABM members or contact the ABM office with their fresh ideas or concerns. The ABM welcomes the thoughts and opinions of doctors-in-training on how to best serve their needs. Doctors-in-training will now have representatives that they can contact through the ABM office and have their voices heard at the board of directors.
Students and residents on the board of directors will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to promote our mission. Welcome doctors-in-training to the ABM—the future of ABM is looking brighter every day!