Founded 2021

Your zip code shouldn't
determine your health

A national medical honor society recognizing medical students leading on health equity — through action, research, and community partnership.

11
Chapters
11
States
250+
Fellows
Why Aequitas

A third pillar of recognition
in medical education

Alpha Omega Alpha recognizes academic scholarship. The Gold Humanism Honor Society recognizes compassion. Aequitas Health recognizes what happens next — action.

Every Aequitas fellow completes a health-focused project addressing a real need in a real community. Fellow work is presented, published, and funded through competitive grants — building the next generation of physician leaders who don't just study disparities but build solutions.

"I've written countless recommendation letters. But when I write one for an Aequitas fellow, I'm not describing a student who joined something — I'm describing a student who built something. That's a different letter."
Dr. Elizabeth Mack, Aequitas Health Chapter Faculty Advisor
What We Do

Recognition · Action · Research

Recognition

Fellows are elected by their chapters — the top 5–10% of their class, recognized for demonstrated commitment to improving health in their communities. The fellowship is a lifetime credential listed on ERAS applications and residency materials.

Action

Every fellow completes a health-focused project — a free clinic, a screening program, a community partnership — addressing a real need in a real community. Projects are designed with community partners and built to sustain beyond a single academic year.

Research

Fellow work can be published in the Aequitas Health Journal and presented at the annual National Conference. Competitive grants fund chapter and fellow projects — building the scholarly foundation for the next generation of physician leaders who don't just study disparities but build solutions.

How It Works

Chapter. Fellowship. Impact.

01

Start a Chapter

A faculty advisor and a group of committed students charter a chapter at their medical school. Cost: $100/year. Cost to students: $0.

02

Elect Fellows & Complete Projects

Each chapter recognizes the top 5–10% of their class as Aequitas Health Fellows. Every fellow completes a health-focused project addressing a real community need.

03

Publish, Present & Compete for Grants

Fellow work can be published in the Aequitas Health Journal, presented at the annual National Conference, and is eligible for competitive grants and awards. Fellows graduate with a lifetime credential, certificate, and cord.

2023 McNulty Catalyst Award

"Physicians need to work on the front lines delivering compassionate, effective care but they also need to lead fundamental change in the system and in their communities to achieve health equity."

The McNulty Foundation · John P. McNulty Prize
Recognizing leaders leveraging their talents to make a meaningful difference
Read the McNulty Foundation profile

Bring Aequitas to your
medical school

$100/year to start a chapter. Fellowship is free to every student — forever.