Local doctor leads health clinic at CAEP

LYNN – Teens in the College Application Education Project are gearing up for the return to school this September but before the summer day program ends, students were given the chance to learn more about their physical and mental health, thanks to an area doctor.Peabody native and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center staff psychiatrist Dr. Christie L. Sams stopped by the non-profit’s Adams Street Extension location Thursday to provide a health education workshop for students.Although Sams spoke to the teens about staying healthy and making good choices, the group also learned what it took for her to become successful both academically and professionally. She will also show students the method of applying for med school.Along with providing educational summer programs, much of the goal at CAEP is to prepare students for high school graduation and college so that they can remain on a successful path.Leading up to her appearance, students in the program were excited to hear of her story, as some of them are hoping to go into a similar field.”I can’t wait until she comes because I want to become a doctor too,” said program student Ivan Ventura.A graduate of Peabody High School, Sams went on to study at Brown University and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. She received training from the Harvard Longwood Psychiatric Residency Training Program and has held various memberships and editorial positions with different organizations.”Christie will instill hope into these teens’ futures and give them information that they can thrive on,” said CAEP President and Founder Arthur Akers. “The more teens that are there, the more inspiration will be exchanged. CAEP works to inspire positive change and instill hope in teens’ future.”