Aequitas Health Founded

Aequitas Health was founded as a national medical honor society recognizing medical students who are leading on health equity through clinical initiatives, research, and community service.

The organization was catalyzed by the Aspen Health Innovators Fellowship’s charge to meaningfully address challenges in the US healthcare ecosystem. From the beginning, Aequitas Health was designed to go beyond symbolic recognition—providing fellows with a peer-reviewed journal, competitive project grants, and a national conference platform to present their work.

The founding chapter was established at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, with a vision to expand to medical schools across the country. The name “Aequitas” derives from the Latin word for equity—a principle that guides every aspect of the organization’s mission.

From day one, the model has been: $0 to students, forever. Funded entirely by a nominal chapter fee and the volunteer service of every leader in the organization.