Delegate: Katherine Shiells
Affiliation: Case Western Reserve University
Short Bio: I started the Sleep Health Society (SHS) at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) with the goal of introducing pre-health, pre-medical, and pre-doctoral students in nursing, psychology, anthropology, and related fields to the diverse field of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Health by bringing together a group of peers with similar interests through presentations by Sleep Medicine and Sleep Health specialists and scientists of various backgrounds, clinical examples, discussions, journal clubs, and career preparation information. Medical students and health undergraduate and graduate students will become aware of this multifaceted, interdisciplinary field and participate in activities, related to the field of Sleep Science, teaching and inspiring a new generation of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Health professionals, Sleep Scientists, and Advocates. Personally, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was 12 years old, and have used a CPAP machine ever since. Having this very uncommon experience at such a young age has strongly shaped my perspective and appreciation for the sleep medicine field and the more I have learned, the more I want to share my experiences. This emerging field in medicine must be better understood to more holistically and thoroughly treat patients. The target of CWRU SHS is to educate the large body of pre-medical/pre-health students at the university in promoting education, advocacy, and awareness of the diverse field, improving public welfare among stressed students but also among future patients.
Activity: CWRU’s Sleep Health Society meets bi-weekly to discuss sample patient cases, learn about specific sleep disorders, engage with various speakers in the profession, collaborate through service projects, and raise awareness in the community. This semester we are excited to tour University Hospitals Sleep Lab, learn from a retired Sleep Psychiatrist from the Cleveland Clinic, make blankets and stuffed animals to donate to our local hospital, and further our understanding in research through a presentation from a Neuroscience and Sleep researcher. In the past we have hosted numerous speakers of varying backgrounds in nursing, anthropology, and nutrition, held case study discussion sessions, and worked together to create sleep hygiene care packages for the students of our community.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Date of Activity: Spring 2025 semester
Submitted by: Katherine Shiells
