A network built by students,
for patients
The honor society that recognizes what students do — not just what they score. Student-led chapters, locally governed, faculty-supported, and connected to a national community of fellows.
Build what doesn't exist.
The Fellowship
What Fellows Receive
A lifetime fellowship credential, honor society certificate and graduation cord, the opportunity to publish in the Aequitas Health Journal, eligibility for competitive project grants, and the opportunity to present at the annual National Aequitas Health Conference.
How Fellows Are Chosen
Each chapter sets its own election criteria, recognizing the top 5–10% of their class. Fellows are selected by their peers based on demonstrated commitment to improving health in their community — through building projects, leading initiatives, and delivering measurable impact. Not GPA. Not test scores. Action, not just achievement.
Why It's Free
Funded by a $100/year chapter fee and the unpaid service of every leader in the organization. No student pays. No leader is compensated. That's the model.
A Lifetime Credential
Aequitas Health fellowship is a permanent distinction. List it on your CV, ERAS application, and residency materials. The honor follows you from medical school through residency and into practice.
Resources for Partners
Deans
School leadership overview — what Aequitas is, what it costs, and what students receive.
Faculty
Chapter advisor guide — the role, time commitment, and how to support your fellows.
Funders
Partner and donor overview — impact metrics, giving tiers, and how support reaches students.
Overviews for the people who make chapters possible — what it costs, what it requires, and what students receive. Each resource is available as a downloadable PDF.
National Aequitas Health Conference
The annual National Aequitas Health Conference is a virtual, asynchronous platform where fellows present their project work and connect with peers across the network. Distinguished speakers have included academic department leaders, health system executives, public health researchers, and healthcare innovators.
Competitive Funding for Fellow Projects
Aequitas funds chapter and fellow projects through competitive grants — supporting clinical initiatives, community partnerships, and research. Funded projects include advanced care planning programs, pediatric vision screening initiatives, community health outreach, and medical education programs. 3 awards totaling $1,500 annually.
As a volunteer-run organization, every dollar goes directly to students. With additional investment, this program is designed to scale — funding 20 or more student projects annually.
Common Questions
$100/year, paid by the chapter — not by individual students. This covers certificates, graduation cords, the publication portal, web presence, federal taxes, and insurance. If funding is a concern, many chapters use student government allocations or departmental support to cover the fee.
Each chapter drafts its own election criteria using a national charter framework we provide. Chapters typically form a selection committee of current fellows and faculty, review candidates based on project impact and community engagement, and elect the top 5–10% of their class. The process is peer-driven — there is no national veto or override.
Yes — each chapter needs a faculty advisor and school approval. We'll help you navigate the process and provide the charter framework.
No. Aequitas Health is a medical honor society — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We recognize medical students who are improving health outcomes in their communities through clinical initiatives, research, and community service. Our chapters include students and faculty from across the political spectrum, united by a shared commitment to patients — not a political platform. We do not lobby, endorse candidates, or take positions on legislation.
The Aequitas Health Journal publishes diverse scholarly perspectives from individual authors. Published articles reflect the views of their authors and do not represent institutional positions of Aequitas Health.
Research, clinical initiatives, community service programs, and community health work that addresses a real need. Fellows are encouraged to publish their work in the editorially reviewed Aequitas Health Journal. Past projects include free clinics, medication adherence programs, vision screenings, community health literacy courses, and reproductive health needs assessments.
Most chapters launch within one semester after initial contact. The biggest variable is school approval timelines, which we can help you anticipate.
Three steps to launch
Reach Out
Email us to express interest and begin the conversation.
Get Approval
Work with your medical school to establish a recognized student organization. We provide the charter framework and help you navigate the process.
Launch
Establish leadership, charter, and election standards. Elect your first fellows and begin project work.
Starting a chapter? We have resources for students, faculty advisors, and medical school leadership.
Because action, not just achievement, is the highest honor in medicine.
Questions? We're here.
We'll walk you through everything from charter to launch.