Health Equity Scholars Program 2024
February 2024 - October 2024
Tuition: $3,750
Virtual Program via Zoom
Program Background
Healthcare professionals and institutions are increasingly being called upon to address the structural determinants of health and health inequities in our society. The health inequities present an enormous challenge to mission-driven healthcare providers to serve all patient populations equally and create a thriving workforce.
Clinicians play an essential role in creating the structural change needed to build a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future for our patients. However, formal medical training rarely provides opportunities to learn about health equity or health advocacy, and community organizing. Thus, there is a substantial gap between the need to prepare healthcare professionals to assume roles as advocates for health equity and opportunities to get such training.
Our vision is to develop healthcare leaders across the U.S who are equipped to advocate for health equity and have the knowledge, skills, and motivation to create more equitable systems in their organizations, communities, and society.
In 2019, we launched the Health Equity Scholars Program with the following objectives:
Educate healthcare professionals to think deeply about the social and systemic factors that create barriers to health and challenge them to reimagine their professional responsibilities to advance social justice.
To build the leadership capacity of early and mid-career healthcare professionals to actively advocate for under-resourced or marginalized communities across the U.S.
To create a network of trained healthcare professionals committed to practicing community organizing and advocacy for health equity.
In the last two years, 80+ scholars have graduated from the program and implemented successful health equity initiatives within their institutions.
Zoom Photo of one of our sessions.
Graphic of Inaugural Cohort Designed by Rio Holaday
Program Description
Health Equity Scholars is a uniquely tailored interprofessional program for early & mid-career clinicians working in hospitals, primary care centers, and other healthcare institutions.
This program aims to provide a year-long, longitudinal curriculum with education, workshops and mentorship from CHEEA faculty and staff.
Upon completion, scholars will have the ability to:
Effectively advocate for health and social justice issues
Support or initiate institutional changes that will support health equity projects
Use the Community Organizing skills to engage other people in their advocacy projects
Improve their overall leadership skills (including relationship and interprofessional team building)
Build a strong-bond and relationship with other scholars and alumni
Program Impact & Impact Stories
Approximately half of all HES participants shared course materials and/or concepts with their peers and colleagues
Kristopher McLucas, MPH, LCSW
68% of participants reported that taught community organizing strategies helped them to improve their leadership abilities in health equity work
Approximately 60% of HES participants engaged in new health equity projects, advocacy work, and/or community organizing work after completing the program
78.8% of participants reported that project development and execution continued after course completion
83% of participants believe the HES Program increased their personal fulfillment at work
Health Equity Scholars
Impact Stories
Gina Robinson, MD, FAAP
Tonja Santos, MSN, CNM, FACNM
Here’s how people from every health profession are learning from the Health Equity Scholars program
Program Components
Online Launch & Immersion Workshop
Interactive online workshop (two 3-hour sessions) will allow scholars to connect and create a strong foundation for community, collaboration, and learning.
Online Semi-Monthly Sessions
In this model online learning community, participants will attend two monthly sessions with faculty and peers. The meetings are designed for participants to learn new concepts, reflect on the learning and application of the skills, and coach one another.
Experiential learning
Participants will come into the program with an advocacy project they will work on at their home institution. They will apply the skills they learn from the program during the implementation of this project. Each learning module has a practice-based assignment.
Final Gathering
At the end of the program, we will hold an online one-day gathering. This gathering will allow scholars to solidify their relationships, celebrate project successes and generate commitment for future action.
Coaching
Scholars will have access to peer and faculty coaches to help develop equity projects.
Networking
The program includes networking opportunities with scholars who share a similar mission, including peer-learning activities with other fellows on health equity projects and leadership issues.
Program Schedule
Deadlines & Tuition
Notification of Acceptance: November 2023
Tuition for the course is $3,750.
Applications Due on October 20, 2023.
Our Approach
Health Equity Analysis
During the program, scholars will examine numerous health equity topics that underpin the structural barriers to health. Topics will include structural racism, poverty, LGBTQ health, immigration and environmental justice
Leadership Development
This program offers an approach to leadership that turns change seekers into change makers. Grounded in a community organizing framework developed by Harvard Kennedy School professor Marshall Ganz, we take a practical approach to engaging, developing, and working with people to achieve a shared purpose. Our program is specifically adapted for healthcare professionals and their challenges by People Power Health.
Advocacy Action Project
We provide an opportunity for scholars to practice their skills and apply new knowledge to current issues they are facing within their organizations/communities through implementing an individually mentored health equity change project.
Is this Program Right for You?
Are you an early or mid-career practicing clinician passionate about social justice?
Are you ready to take advocacy action in your organization or community?
Do you believe healthcare professionals can be effective advocates for change
Do you believe that healthcare professionals have a responsibility to address the structural barriers to care?If the answer to those questions is YES, Health Equity Scholars program is a perfect opportunity for you.
Course Faculty
Camila Mateo, MD, MPH
Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CNL, FAAN
Adam Gaffney, MD, MPH
Danny McCormick, MD, MPH
Lara Jirmanus, MD, MPH
Gaurab Basu, MD, MPH
Pedja Stojicic, MD, MPH