January 2025
Aequitas Health is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Chapter Project and Fellow Project Grants, supporting innovative initiatives to advance health equity across the United States by medical students and local Aequitas Health chapters.
Megan McDonald · Medical University of South Carolina
This project implements advanced care planning services at Anderson Free Clinic, ensuring underserved populations have access to comprehensive end-of-life care discussions and documentation. The initiative includes the development of patient education materials and provider training.
Joseph Rumenapp · Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School
This project expands the Mini-Medical School program, providing hands-on medical education to underrepresented elementary school students. The initiative includes take-home activities and bilingual materials to engage families in supporting their children's interest in healthcare careers.
Narysse Nicolet · University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
This project focuses on establishing healthcare outreach services in Rapid City, South Dakota, targeting the city's homeless population, of whom 75% identify as Native American. The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a future student-run clinic and provide basic health services to an underserved community.
Jasmine Bazinet-Phillips · The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont
This project addresses transportation barriers affecting vision care access for young children through Champlain Valley Head Start. The initiative utilizes Uber Health to improve follow-up rates for pediatric ophthalmology appointments, where currently only 33% of children under age three and 62.3% of children ages 3–5 attend follow-up care.
Neha Basti & Jessica Moreno (Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science) — Student-Run Clinic Food Pantry
Adaugo Chikezie (University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine) — MindRight Health Mental Health Coaching
Karena Nguyen (University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine) — Look at Larner, Next Network MCAT Preparation Program
Cayla Wakser (Medical University of South Carolina) — Period Poverty Initiative
Azziza Bankole (Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine) — Spanish Language Patient Portal Access
Project summaries will be published in the Aequitas Health Journal, showcasing these innovative approaches to addressing healthcare disparities.
"These outstanding medical students represent the next generation of physician leaders in health equity," said Dr. Hsu, President and Chair of Aequitas Health. "What's particularly inspiring is how each project demonstrates a deep understanding of local community needs and creates sustainable solutions. From addressing homelessness in South Dakota to improving pediatric vision care in Vermont, these future physicians are already making meaningful changes in their communities. Their work exemplifies how physician-leaders can be powerful catalysts for reducing health disparities at the local level while developing models that can be adapted nationwide."
Aequitas Health is a national medical honor society recognizing medical students leading on health equity through action, research, and community partnership. Founded in 2021, Aequitas Health spans 11 chapters across 11 states with 250+ fellows inducted. Learn more at aequitashealth.org.