Champion of Joyful Connections

“A teacher affects eternity” is a favorite quote of Dr. Pamela High and reflects the way she approaches her work every day.

A dedicated pediatrician and advocate for early childhood literacy, Dr. Pamela High has devoted her life to mentorship, education, and creating a lasting impact on future generations. Born in 1948 during a time of great societal change and fear, Dr. High’s upbringing was marked not only by her parents' unwavering support, but by her childhood friends, who she still has close relationships with.

Dr. High's early life was characterized by frequent moves due to her father's military service. Her parents, who met during World War II, instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. They met at a USO dance and married in May 1945, around the time of D-Day. Her father, a lieutenant in the Coast Guard, was a proud football player from Brown University, a legacy shared with his own father. Her mother, a Southern Belle from St. Augustine, Florida.

Dr. High thanks her son’s first babysitter, an avid reader, for introducing her son to the wonders of books. This early exposure fostered a love for reading in her mischievous young son, Anthony. Whenever he became restless, she would simply ask, "Anthony, do you want to read a book?" His eyes would light up as he eagerly grabbed a book and jumped into her lap. Dr. High firmly believes that "a teacher affects eternity" and saw the profound impact that reading and routines had on her child's development.

Her family's emphasis on education and learning shaped Dr. High's path in life. Despite growing up in an era when women rarely pursued careers in medicine, she was determined to break the mold. Inspired by her high school biology teacher and her passion for science and math, she pursued pre-med courses at Mercer University and later transferred to the University of Florida. Her journey included a brief stint in a doctoral program in Seattle, where she realized her true calling lay in medicine. Returning to the University of Florida for medical school, she became actively involved in the American Medical Student Association.

Her involvement in the Reach Out and Read program was a turning point, inspired by Robert Needleman's study on the model. As a young parent, she recognized the importance of books in addressing her son's sleep issues and the potential of reading to transform early childhood experiences.

Relocating to Rhode Island, Dr. High found a community of like-minded individuals passionate about early childhood research. Together, they developed innovative ideas and conducted significant studies on early literacy. Her work led to the creation of the Reach Out and Read model, emphasizing the critical role of reading in establishing bedtime routines and enhancing children's outcomes into adulthood.

Dr. High's influence extends far beyond her professional achievements. She is a firm believer in the power of mentorship, continually learning from her experiences and guiding the next generation of medical professionals. She often quoted, "Keep learning to not decay," embodying her commitment to lifelong education and growth. Her work with the RI LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities Training Program) highlights the importance of respect, inclusion, and collaboration, particularly in understanding family perspectives.

As Dr. High reflects on her legacy, she hopes to be remembered for her mentorship, her dedication to early childhood literacy, and her unwavering commitment to inclusion. She believes that "the more we listen to each other, the more we understand the perspective of one another, the more effective we become in the long run."

Dr. High's life is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on countless lives. Through her dedication to mentorship, education, and the joy of reading, she has created connections that will continue to shape children's outcomes for generations to come. Her legacy will be cherished by all who have had the privilege of learning from and working with her, ensuring that her contributions to the field of early childhood literacy and mentorship will never be forgotten.