b'Thomas FarleyHelping kids to grow up healthyDr. Thomas Farley Running health clinics.was 19 years old Restricting the number of stores that canand a student at Haverford Collegesell cigarettes.when he decided Helping to prevent opioid abuse in the city.his lifes work would Opioids are a group of drugs that can befocus on helpingused to relieve severe pain, but addiction and other people. even death can occur when the medicationis misused. That led him to be- What motivates me, he says, is feeling like Ive come a pediatrician,made a difference in the lives of many people.the kind of doctor who treats children,A few years ago, the Health Department created usually in an office or a hospital. Shortly after hea plan called A Running Start, which sets goals finished his training, though, he switched to afor improving the health of children from birth career in public health, which focuses on helpingto age 5. Dr. Farley says this is one of the most large numbers of peopleeven a whole cityimportant things he is working on today thatto lead healthier lives. will help children become healthier youngAsked why he made the change, Dr. Farley says:adults in 2035. In regular medical care, doctors help people oneThe program looks for ways to reduce theat a time. But in public health, doctors help onenumber of children who are injured and treated population at a time. Its a better use of my time. in emergency rooms, or who suffer from asthma, As Philadelphias health commissioner, Dr. Farleylead poisoning, and other illnesses. The program leads a department of about 1,000 employees.encourages pediatricians to more closely track He spends most of his days guiding those whothe development of infants, and the Health work in the departments many divisions and Department measures development in the citys promoting public health. His department is population of infants as a whole. If children are responsible for a lot of programs, including: slow to achieve their growth milestones, they Inspecting restaurants to make sure they arecan be identified quickly and receive help sothey can catch up. handling and cooking food safely.16'