The inaugural Health & PLAY Online Institute is a webinar series featuring leading healthcare professionals and researchers from across the country. Recorded sessions are available ON DEMAND.
Eligible for up to (6) AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Registration details below.
Each panel presentation examines the synergies between play and health through five distinct pillars (and a bonus opportunity for our attendees):
- The Science of Play: What We Know
- Healthcare Professionals’ Wellbeing: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Play
- The Role of Play in Society
- Using Play as Bridge Between Technologies
- Play and the Ecosystem of Health
- Bonus Session: A Conversation with some of the “stars” of the documentary Playing for Keeps
Speaker details and Registration information is below.
Meet Our Experts
MODERATOR
Michael Suk, MD, is a leading advocate on health and nature, outdoor recreation as a gateway to better health, and play for life champion as our Moderator for the Health and Play Institute. Dr. Suk is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Professor and Chair of the Musculoskeletal Institute at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. In his role as a Steering Committee Member for the US Play Coalition, Dr. Suk helped to create the Health and PLAY Consortium that aims to build momentum in exploring and promoting the VALUE of play as a tool for improving health. Dr. Suk also serves on numerous Boards including the American Medical Association, Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Associations and SHIFT at the Center for Jackson Hole. Previously he served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the US Department of the Interior and Senior Advisor on Health and Recreation to the National Park Service.
The Science of Play: What We Know
Examining the history of play science and its relationship to human interaction, brain development and as a potential medical intervention
Stuart Brown, MD, is Founder of the National Institute for Play. His background in psychiatry, the evolution of human and animal play, as well as his clinical research into the causes and prevention of violence, have shown him that authentic play is a state of being which can be accessed and used by everyone, and that play is as important to humans as vitamins or sleep.
Healthcare Professionals’ Wellbeing: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & Play
Pulling back the curtain on the widely recognized and growing epidemic of healthcare professionals’ “burnout” and compassion fatigue with an eye toward using Play as a tool combat “moral injury.”
The Role of Play in Society
Exploring the role of play from a population viewpoint and the role of nonprofit advocacy groups.


Michael Suk, MD, is a leading advocate on health and nature, outdoor recreation as a gateway to better health, and play for life champion as our Chair and Moderator for the Health and Play Institute. Dr. Suk is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Professor and Chair of the Musculoskeletal Institute at Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. In addition to his role as a Steering Committee Member for the US Play Coalition, Dr. Suk also serves on numerous Boards including the American Medical Association, Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Associations and SHIFT at the Center for Jackson Hole. Previously he served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the US Department of the Interior and Senior Advisor on Health and Recreation to the National Park Service.
Using Play as Bridge Between Technologies
Looking at health technology platforms and discussing how aspects of “Play” can be a bridge to consumer engagement and/or better health outcomes.
Play and the Ecosystem of Health
Considering the role of play in addressing the social determinants of health and the role of non-profit advocacy groups and health foundations.
Nancy Katz is Senior Director of Content and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, where she oversees technical assistance services and resources for schools and out-of-school time sites as they work to achieve healthy and supportive environments for students and staff. Nancy oversees a team of subject matter experts in physical education and physical activity, nutrition, tobacco/vaping prevention, school and out-of-school time policy, and food systems and food access.


Bonus Session: A Conversation with some of the “stars” of the documentary Playing for Keeps
In 2020, filmmaker Jamie Redford released a documentary about adults and play, shortly before passing away from cancer. Redford said, “At first glance, a film about the physical, emotional and social benefits of play might seem a little lightweight, but a deep look at the power of play reveals a uniquely effective way to reduce stress, improve health and bolster community connections. As it turns out, adults who engage in enjoyable pastimes, hobbies, and various forms of play are effectively inoculating themselves against the dark side of the modern era.”
Join “film stars” Stuart Brown, Caroline Cárdenas and Peter Gray as they banter and debrief about the documentary – from health implications to access and equity challenges, PLAY is at the heart of many of today’s vital issues. (NOTE: Screening of the documentary is not part of the recorded session. Check the film company’s social media and website for options if desired.)
Disclosure Statement
- The planners and presenters for this activity have reported no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- No presenters will be discussing off-label uses for products and devices.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- The Health and PLAY Online Institute has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society and the US Play Coalition. MedChi is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
- MedChi designates this web-based educational activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Registration Information for the Health and PLAY Online Institute
- The Health and PLAY Online Institute is part of the 2021 Virtual Conference on the Value of Play: PLAY IS SURVIVAL
- Health & PLAY Institute ONLY — $75/person
This will give access to the Health & PLAY Institute sessions. CMEs are NOT included with this fee. - Health & PLAY Institute ONLY plus CMEs — $200/person
Includes access to Health & PLAY Institute sessions PLUS up to (6) AMA PRA Category 1 Credits with the successful completion of the related Activity Evaluation Forms.
The U.S. Play Coalition
Founded in 2009, the U.S. Play Coalition is a partnership that promotes the value of play throughout life. We are an international network of individuals and organizations that recognize play as a valuable and necessary part of a healthy and productive life. Housed in Clemson University’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management department, part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, the coalition hosts conferences and educational trainings, encourages and conducts research and provides avenues of communication about the value of play worldwide. Our membership comes from a cross-section of industries and professions – play researchers, educators, park and recreation professionals, health scientists, architects, landscape architects, designers, planners, business and community leaders, psychologists, physicians, parents and more. Membership is free, and simply requires a declaration of shared commitment to the value of play through our “Get Involved” page.Learn more at usplaycoalition.org