Recent News

For University of Vermont-related news, see below. For MaineHealth news, click here.

Wrenn quoted in National Geographic Article about New "ParkRx" Approach

June 29, 2017 by Michelle Bookless

In a June 29 National Geographic article, "Doctors Are Prescribing Park Visits to Boost Patient Health," Sean Wrenn, a surgeon at the UVM Medical Center weighs in on the pros and cons of the so-called "Park Prescription Program."
(JUNE 29, 2017) Three years ago, Vermont adopted a "Park Prescription Program," aimed at improving patient health and well-being through the promotion of increased physical activity.  In a June 29 National Geographic article, "Doctors Are Prescribing Park Visits to Boost Patient Health," Vermont's adoption of the program was highlighted along with a similar program being run in South Dakota. 

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of such programs and Sean Wrenn, M.D., a clinical instructor in surgery at the University of Vermont Medical Center weighed in on the pros and cons. Even though his patients are often restricted from physical activity after surgery, rendering the "prescription to get outside" irrelevant, Wrenn still likes the concept of prescribing "...something a bit more fun" than the typical "pills that people have to swallow or mandates or regiments [they have to follow]." 

Read the full story here.

Want to be our next news story?

Have you started a cool new project? Published a paper? Won an award? We want to hear from you! Contact us to be highlighted on our website, in our newsletters, and/or in our press releases.

Check out our newsletter archive:

December 2021

March 2022

August 2022

SpecialEditionAug2022

June 2023

Fall 2023

Winter 2024

Spring 2024

Summer 2024

Questions?

Please email us with any questions or for assistance accessing services.

Become a Member

All NNE-CTR members have access to our services and support. Learn more about the free benefits of membership, and join today!