Novel Program Connects Medical Students with Startups Focused on Social Determinants of Health.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding health equity is critical for the development of patient-centered physicians, but few avenues exist for medical students to participate in experiential learning related to social determinants of health (SDOH).

Aim

To create and evaluate the PennHealthX SDOH Accelerator Program, which pairs students with health equity startups.

Setting

The program matches medical students at our institution with startups focused on SDOH for voluntary, part-time internships.

Participants

Medical students of all years are eligible to apply. Startups are typically early-stage (≤ 10 employees).

Program description

Two pre-clinical students lead the program. Startups are sourced via alumni networking, partnerships with venture capital firms, and cold o

SUBMITTER: Brown DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11803028 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature