Each year, medical students, the Center for Health Equity, and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute host a three-day program focused on urban health equity for incoming medical students.
This year, the program -- called Introduction to Urban Health Equity (IUHE) -- expanded to include dental students and broke an attendance record. It attracted 70 incoming medical and dental students who are about to start programs at the University of Minnesota's Medical School and School of Dentistry.
Students enjoyed a wide range of presentations, activities, and discussions that included an introductory health equity talk by Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, a poverty simulation hosted by 20 volunteers, neighborhood clinic tours, and cultural round robin discussions.
Dr. Ahluwalia, who is the faculty sponsor for IUHE, the Director of the Center for Health Equity, and Associate Director of CTSI said:
"The energy in the room is palpable. These students, who chose to attend this optional experience, will be our nation's leaders for solving the challenging problems of health equity."