Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
@rfentonmd.bsky.social
Making Adolescent Medicine accessible to marginalized youth in Chicago. #MedSky Opinions my own.
Rfentonmd.com
@rfentonmd on TikTok & IG
Rfentonmd.com
@rfentonmd on TikTok & IG
Pinned
Hi, BlueSky!
I’m a Chicago-based Adolescent Medicine doc working at an FQHC. I post about #teenhealth, #healthequity, #healthcommunication, and I love books, but rarely read thanks to being a #toddlermom.
After a miserable week, its fitting to start a new platform with a bright name! #MedSky
I’m a Chicago-based Adolescent Medicine doc working at an FQHC. I post about #teenhealth, #healthequity, #healthcommunication, and I love books, but rarely read thanks to being a #toddlermom.
After a miserable week, its fitting to start a new platform with a bright name! #MedSky
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
HUGE NEWS.
A study presented at #AACR25 found that one dose of the HPV vaccine (which prevents CANCER) is as effective as two, with efficacy rates >97%.
A study presented at #AACR25 found that one dose of the HPV vaccine (which prevents CANCER) is as effective as two, with efficacy rates >97%.
May 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM
HUGE NEWS.
A study presented at #AACR25 found that one dose of the HPV vaccine (which prevents CANCER) is as effective as two, with efficacy rates >97%.
A study presented at #AACR25 found that one dose of the HPV vaccine (which prevents CANCER) is as effective as two, with efficacy rates >97%.
Catching the end of this beautiful workshop “Seeking Solutions for Increasing Representation of Black Men in Academic Pediatrics Through a Life Course Framework”. So powerful to see a panel of Black men in Academic Peds sharing insights and facilitating conversations #PAS2025
April 28, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Catching the end of this beautiful workshop “Seeking Solutions for Increasing Representation of Black Men in Academic Pediatrics Through a Life Course Framework”. So powerful to see a panel of Black men in Academic Peds sharing insights and facilitating conversations #PAS2025
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
Just wrapped my keynote at #PAS2025: “Why ‘Follow the Science’ Falls Short.”
Key message? Evidence doesn’t speak for itself. We do.
Let’s communicate with empathy, nuance, and trust.
Thanks to @AcadPeds & @AcademyHealth.bsky.social for leading the way. #SciComm #Pediatrics
Key message? Evidence doesn’t speak for itself. We do.
Let’s communicate with empathy, nuance, and trust.
Thanks to @AcadPeds & @AcademyHealth.bsky.social for leading the way. #SciComm #Pediatrics
April 26, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Just wrapped my keynote at #PAS2025: “Why ‘Follow the Science’ Falls Short.”
Key message? Evidence doesn’t speak for itself. We do.
Let’s communicate with empathy, nuance, and trust.
Thanks to @AcadPeds & @AcademyHealth.bsky.social for leading the way. #SciComm #Pediatrics
Key message? Evidence doesn’t speak for itself. We do.
Let’s communicate with empathy, nuance, and trust.
Thanks to @AcadPeds & @AcademyHealth.bsky.social for leading the way. #SciComm #Pediatrics
Currently in a workshop about transition for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities #PAS2025
- Talk about transition early and often to support success
- Asking patients about life and hobbies is a great way to help assess a patient’s ability to understand and self-manage care
- Talk about transition early and often to support success
- Asking patients about life and hobbies is a great way to help assess a patient’s ability to understand and self-manage care
April 26, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Currently in a workshop about transition for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities #PAS2025
- Talk about transition early and often to support success
- Asking patients about life and hobbies is a great way to help assess a patient’s ability to understand and self-manage care
- Talk about transition early and often to support success
- Asking patients about life and hobbies is a great way to help assess a patient’s ability to understand and self-manage care
Wendy Grant, MD presenting her project about youth’s perspectives on a STI testing, prevention, and treatment video #PAS2025
Most teens had received info about STIs, but less than half were familiar with PrEP.
Teens loved the video and wanted privacy to view it and space to ask Qs
Most teens had received info about STIs, but less than half were familiar with PrEP.
Teens loved the video and wanted privacy to view it and space to ask Qs
April 26, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Wendy Grant, MD presenting her project about youth’s perspectives on a STI testing, prevention, and treatment video #PAS2025
Most teens had received info about STIs, but less than half were familiar with PrEP.
Teens loved the video and wanted privacy to view it and space to ask Qs
Most teens had received info about STIs, but less than half were familiar with PrEP.
Teens loved the video and wanted privacy to view it and space to ask Qs
Day 2 of #PAS2025
Continuing my review of Gen Peds with Pearls of Pediatric GI.
Starting with biologics for IBD treatment. Effective, early treatment of IBD is important for long-term outcomes. While more are available, theyre also more $$. Biosimilars are NOT generics, but have similar targets.
Continuing my review of Gen Peds with Pearls of Pediatric GI.
Starting with biologics for IBD treatment. Effective, early treatment of IBD is important for long-term outcomes. While more are available, theyre also more $$. Biosimilars are NOT generics, but have similar targets.
April 26, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Day 2 of #PAS2025
Continuing my review of Gen Peds with Pearls of Pediatric GI.
Starting with biologics for IBD treatment. Effective, early treatment of IBD is important for long-term outcomes. While more are available, theyre also more $$. Biosimilars are NOT generics, but have similar targets.
Continuing my review of Gen Peds with Pearls of Pediatric GI.
Starting with biologics for IBD treatment. Effective, early treatment of IBD is important for long-term outcomes. While more are available, theyre also more $$. Biosimilars are NOT generics, but have similar targets.
Been a minute since I posted but I’m at #pas2025 and will share a little of my learning over the next few days. I’m transitioning jobs later this year (story for another thread) so using this conference as an opportunity to learn peds topics I haven’t seen in a minute, starting with fevers.
April 26, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Been a minute since I posted but I’m at #pas2025 and will share a little of my learning over the next few days. I’m transitioning jobs later this year (story for another thread) so using this conference as an opportunity to learn peds topics I haven’t seen in a minute, starting with fevers.
“Tienes una doctora morena!”
(You have a Black female doctor!)
I overheard a mother share this with her child and I smiled behind my mask with understanding (I’ve picked up a little Spanish :)
Even across cultures, despite every attack against it, representation STILL matters.
(You have a Black female doctor!)
I overheard a mother share this with her child and I smiled behind my mask with understanding (I’ve picked up a little Spanish :)
Even across cultures, despite every attack against it, representation STILL matters.
March 13, 2025 at 3:26 AM
“Tienes una doctora morena!”
(You have a Black female doctor!)
I overheard a mother share this with her child and I smiled behind my mask with understanding (I’ve picked up a little Spanish :)
Even across cultures, despite every attack against it, representation STILL matters.
(You have a Black female doctor!)
I overheard a mother share this with her child and I smiled behind my mask with understanding (I’ve picked up a little Spanish :)
Even across cultures, despite every attack against it, representation STILL matters.
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
Call your Senators and tell them not to pass a budget that will take food and medicine away from our nation's children.
41% of births in this country are paid for by Medicaid, and 35% of the nation's children depend on Medicaid for their medical care.
Children will die if this passes
41% of births in this country are paid for by Medicaid, and 35% of the nation's children depend on Medicaid for their medical care.
Children will die if this passes
February 26, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Call your Senators and tell them not to pass a budget that will take food and medicine away from our nation's children.
41% of births in this country are paid for by Medicaid, and 35% of the nation's children depend on Medicaid for their medical care.
Children will die if this passes
41% of births in this country are paid for by Medicaid, and 35% of the nation's children depend on Medicaid for their medical care.
Children will die if this passes
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
Hello Blue Sky!
I am a Family Physician at an #FQHC in Chicago, Faculty at a #THCGME FM residency, and an #HIV Specialist. I do cradle to grave primary care including HIV care, #Gender-affirming care, #MAT, and #FMOB. I will fight for #SocialJustice and I believe that healthcare is a human right.
I am a Family Physician at an #FQHC in Chicago, Faculty at a #THCGME FM residency, and an #HIV Specialist. I do cradle to grave primary care including HIV care, #Gender-affirming care, #MAT, and #FMOB. I will fight for #SocialJustice and I believe that healthcare is a human right.
February 24, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Hello Blue Sky!
I am a Family Physician at an #FQHC in Chicago, Faculty at a #THCGME FM residency, and an #HIV Specialist. I do cradle to grave primary care including HIV care, #Gender-affirming care, #MAT, and #FMOB. I will fight for #SocialJustice and I believe that healthcare is a human right.
I am a Family Physician at an #FQHC in Chicago, Faculty at a #THCGME FM residency, and an #HIV Specialist. I do cradle to grave primary care including HIV care, #Gender-affirming care, #MAT, and #FMOB. I will fight for #SocialJustice and I believe that healthcare is a human right.
I will forever annoyed when I see “obese” or “overweight” in a physical exam. BMI is a (often flawed) calculation that already appears in the vitals and the “problem list”. Writing it in the exam is an unnecessary and harmful visual judgment. Period.
February 12, 2025 at 8:17 PM
I will forever annoyed when I see “obese” or “overweight” in a physical exam. BMI is a (often flawed) calculation that already appears in the vitals and the “problem list”. Writing it in the exam is an unnecessary and harmful visual judgment. Period.
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
One of my hottest takes is that academics don’t have nearly enough of an orientation to activism.
Adding “so rogue governments can’t delete your stuff” to the list of reasons why researchers should share their data
February 5, 2025 at 5:20 PM
One of my hottest takes is that academics don’t have nearly enough of an orientation to activism.
I’ll be honest, a lot of takes I’m seeing about the NIH and the CDC are giving “but not my science!”
If this is the first time you’re outraged or speaking up, welcome to the fight, but think critically about why you only joined after your world was personally affected.
If this is the first time you’re outraged or speaking up, welcome to the fight, but think critically about why you only joined after your world was personally affected.
February 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
I’ll be honest, a lot of takes I’m seeing about the NIH and the CDC are giving “but not my science!”
If this is the first time you’re outraged or speaking up, welcome to the fight, but think critically about why you only joined after your world was personally affected.
If this is the first time you’re outraged or speaking up, welcome to the fight, but think critically about why you only joined after your world was personally affected.
Adding to the list
- Contraception Medical Eligibility Criteria
- Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
- PrEP Guidelines
- STI Treatment Guidelines (redirects to a useless loop without content)
- Contraception Medical Eligibility Criteria
- Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
- PrEP Guidelines
- STI Treatment Guidelines (redirects to a useless loop without content)
List of CDC information that appears to have been taken down so far:
1. CDC Atlas
2. CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
3. HRSA Target
4. Language removed for LGBT work
5. CDC Social Vulnerability Index
1. CDC Atlas
2. CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
3. HRSA Target
4. Language removed for LGBT work
5. CDC Social Vulnerability Index
January 31, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Adding to the list
- Contraception Medical Eligibility Criteria
- Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
- PrEP Guidelines
- STI Treatment Guidelines (redirects to a useless loop without content)
- Contraception Medical Eligibility Criteria
- Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
- PrEP Guidelines
- STI Treatment Guidelines (redirects to a useless loop without content)
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey has monitored the wellbeing of America’s high school students since 1991.
Since 2015, it’s been a vital source of data on LGBQ youth. In 2023, it provided the first ever nationally representative sample of transgender teens.
As of this morning, it’s gone.
Since 2015, it’s been a vital source of data on LGBQ youth. In 2023, it provided the first ever nationally representative sample of transgender teens.
As of this morning, it’s gone.
January 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey has monitored the wellbeing of America’s high school students since 1991.
Since 2015, it’s been a vital source of data on LGBQ youth. In 2023, it provided the first ever nationally representative sample of transgender teens.
As of this morning, it’s gone.
Since 2015, it’s been a vital source of data on LGBQ youth. In 2023, it provided the first ever nationally representative sample of transgender teens.
As of this morning, it’s gone.
We will not be erased.
It’s been hard to find coherent words amidst the chaos of this new administration. They are trying to remove the people or things that represent our values: diversity (racial, ethnic, gender), science, reproductive rights, inclusivity, etc.
It’s been hard to find coherent words amidst the chaos of this new administration. They are trying to remove the people or things that represent our values: diversity (racial, ethnic, gender), science, reproductive rights, inclusivity, etc.
January 28, 2025 at 4:26 AM
We will not be erased.
It’s been hard to find coherent words amidst the chaos of this new administration. They are trying to remove the people or things that represent our values: diversity (racial, ethnic, gender), science, reproductive rights, inclusivity, etc.
It’s been hard to find coherent words amidst the chaos of this new administration. They are trying to remove the people or things that represent our values: diversity (racial, ethnic, gender), science, reproductive rights, inclusivity, etc.
I’m not watching the inauguration as a form of self-care, but overhearing a clip in passing of someone co-opt the historic phrase “let freedom ring” to fit their message (🫠) was more than enough to remind me while I’m abstaining
January 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I’m not watching the inauguration as a form of self-care, but overhearing a clip in passing of someone co-opt the historic phrase “let freedom ring” to fit their message (🫠) was more than enough to remind me while I’m abstaining
Getting dressed for work today (yes, I work today and no, I don’t want to talk about it) feels like getting dressed for political warfare so I dressed for the part.
I’m wearing my Black “Stand with Black Women” Planned Parenthood t-shirt. That’s the mood for the next 4 years.
I’m wearing my Black “Stand with Black Women” Planned Parenthood t-shirt. That’s the mood for the next 4 years.
January 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Getting dressed for work today (yes, I work today and no, I don’t want to talk about it) feels like getting dressed for political warfare so I dressed for the part.
I’m wearing my Black “Stand with Black Women” Planned Parenthood t-shirt. That’s the mood for the next 4 years.
I’m wearing my Black “Stand with Black Women” Planned Parenthood t-shirt. That’s the mood for the next 4 years.
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
Did your child lose their book collection in the Los Angeles fires? Are you a teacher at a school that lost its library or your classroom library? Whether you need one book or a whole library, we can replace your books. 📚
Everyone else, please boost this post so we can connect with those in need. 🙏
Everyone else, please boost this post so we can connect with those in need. 🙏
January 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Did your child lose their book collection in the Los Angeles fires? Are you a teacher at a school that lost its library or your classroom library? Whether you need one book or a whole library, we can replace your books. 📚
Everyone else, please boost this post so we can connect with those in need. 🙏
Everyone else, please boost this post so we can connect with those in need. 🙏
Like many folks, I’m back here because of the pause/end of TikTok. I was a long time lurker, recent poster (for the last 6 months) on that platform. Folks can write it off as “all bad” or “just silly videos”, but it was more than that. It was community, education, and advocacy.
January 19, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Like many folks, I’m back here because of the pause/end of TikTok. I was a long time lurker, recent poster (for the last 6 months) on that platform. Folks can write it off as “all bad” or “just silly videos”, but it was more than that. It was community, education, and advocacy.
I love getting to educate patients and families about periods before or right after they start.
Being a specialist is great, but I’ll never disparage primary care because these conversations are so important. Patients/families often don’t know what’s normal and the earlier they know, the better!
Being a specialist is great, but I’ll never disparage primary care because these conversations are so important. Patients/families often don’t know what’s normal and the earlier they know, the better!
January 8, 2025 at 10:46 PM
I love getting to educate patients and families about periods before or right after they start.
Being a specialist is great, but I’ll never disparage primary care because these conversations are so important. Patients/families often don’t know what’s normal and the earlier they know, the better!
Being a specialist is great, but I’ll never disparage primary care because these conversations are so important. Patients/families often don’t know what’s normal and the earlier they know, the better!
One of those days where the thing that makes me a great doctor (how much I care, how invested I am, how much I fight for my patients) also makes the work that much harder to do. Sometimes, it hurts to care, to be invested, & to fight, but I can’t have that strength without days of feeling like this.
December 13, 2024 at 11:37 PM
One of those days where the thing that makes me a great doctor (how much I care, how invested I am, how much I fight for my patients) also makes the work that much harder to do. Sometimes, it hurts to care, to be invested, & to fight, but I can’t have that strength without days of feeling like this.
In 2nd grade, I needed to use the bathroom shortly after a test started. I asked to go and my teacher Mr. Smalls told me I couldn’t go until I finished my test. I sat in my chair diligently working on my test until I peed myself. I was sent to the office until my parents could bring me clothes.
US teacher loses job after bathroom ban led to children urinating on themselves
US teacher loses job after bathroom ban led to children urinating on themselves
Several first-grade students wet themselves at Bartlett elementary in Texas due to educator’s punishment
A Texas school teacher is reportedly “no longer employed” at the local district where she had been working after she prohibited her first-grade class…
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2024 at 4:21 PM
In 2nd grade, I needed to use the bathroom shortly after a test started. I asked to go and my teacher Mr. Smalls told me I couldn’t go until I finished my test. I sat in my chair diligently working on my test until I peed myself. I was sent to the office until my parents could bring me clothes.
Reposted by Rebekah Fenton, MD, MPH
Graph these by salary and you’ll get the same results. Pediatricians get paid less because our society doesn’t value children, and particularly sick disabled children. And as pediatricians we have accepted a system where we are devalued because we advocate for our patients instead of ourselves.
Percentage of available positions that filled in yesterday’s fellowship match.
December 6, 2024 at 3:15 AM
Graph these by salary and you’ll get the same results. Pediatricians get paid less because our society doesn’t value children, and particularly sick disabled children. And as pediatricians we have accepted a system where we are devalued because we advocate for our patients instead of ourselves.
Adolescent Medicine is in blue with barely half of programs filled.
Did some data collection from the last 6 years. This year is the lowest # of applicants & highest # of available spots. The need is higher than current interest.
While I love the work I do, it’s not surprising to see this trend.
Did some data collection from the last 6 years. This year is the lowest # of applicants & highest # of available spots. The need is higher than current interest.
While I love the work I do, it’s not surprising to see this trend.
December 5, 2024 at 4:53 PM
Adolescent Medicine is in blue with barely half of programs filled.
Did some data collection from the last 6 years. This year is the lowest # of applicants & highest # of available spots. The need is higher than current interest.
While I love the work I do, it’s not surprising to see this trend.
Did some data collection from the last 6 years. This year is the lowest # of applicants & highest # of available spots. The need is higher than current interest.
While I love the work I do, it’s not surprising to see this trend.