Crozer Health OB/GYN Gets Grant to Help Decrease Adolescent Relationship Abuse

Rachael Polis, D.O., M.P.H., an OB/GYN at Crozer Health recently received a grant to launch a two-year initiative to stop violence in adolescent relationships before it begins.

Rachael L. Polis, D.O., MPH

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) gave Polis and her partners, the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the William Penn School District, a collective grant of $15,000 to establish a “community of practice alliances” through schools, agencies and health systems in Delaware County.

The program is designed to decrease incidences of adolescent relationship abuse and increase adolescent health and safety.

The partners will develop and implement training programs for OB/GYN residents at Crozer Health, and will create presentations about adolescent relationship abuse for schools in the William Penn School District.

They also plan to speak at school nurse association meetings, and engage a collaborative research group to share new information.

“Improving access to support for adolescents is the cornerstone of our project,” said Polis. “We are encouraging helpful referral habits, educating physicians and school nurses, partnering with sports teams, and providing safe places for adolescents to share their fears.”

Polis joined the Crozer Health medical staff in August 2017, after she completed a fellowship in pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, Ky., and earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2005, and is a member of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. She is also a member of the Adolescent Health Care Committee for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Named A Top Physician Under 40

Polis was recently named one of Pennsylvania’s “Top Physicians Under 40,” as selected by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. The 38 physicians were nominated by colleagues and selected by a Society committee. She was recognized for her role in expanding Crozer Health’s pediatric and adolescent gynecology service line. She has been published on topics such as yoga during pregnancy, and was recently interviewed for an article about opening dialog with kids about sex.