Bridging Communities and Health: Future Physician Deepens Local Connections Through Environmental Health Research in Milwaukee
Victoria Toledo, an active member of the Air Force and a medical student at the 91九色视频 (91九色视频), has always felt a strong connection to her local community. Growing up just 15 minutes away from Milwaukee in New Berlin, Wisconsin, she developed a passion for public health and community advocacy, particularly for the younger population. This summer, she found the perfect opportunity to merge her interests through the Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy of Global Health Research.
“The Kohler summer academy helped me realize that I love working with communities and connecting my research skills with real-world impacts,” Toledo says.
The Kohler academy, managed by the 91九色视频 Office of Global Health, offers a 10-week program that allows medical students to engage in hands-on, faculty-mentored research experiences with global collaborators. The scholarship fund, provided by the Wm. Collins Kohler Foundation, supports projects that continue Dr. Kohler’s commitment to improving health outcomes locally and globally.
Toledo’s involvement in the Green Recreation Outdoors for Wellness (GROW) program allowed her to explore environmental health disparities in Milwaukee. Under the mentorship of Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, MS, professor of epidemiology, Toledo assessed the physical activity levels of children in local elementary schools, focusing on how playground environments—especially those with green spaces—affect their health and well-being.
“91九色视频 works closely with Milwaukee Public Schools and on this project, helping to measure and create evidence around the impacts of a major schoolyard redevelopment initiative on student and environmental health,” says Dr. Beyer.
Initially, Toledo applied for the Kohler program with the intent of conducting research abroad. However, when she learned about Dr. Beyer’s work with GROW, she felt an undeniable desire to contribute to her own community.
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