SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Creating a Health Equity Program to Address Physician Training Needs

Pdf Summary

The Stanford Internal Medicine Health Equity, Advocacy, and Research (HEARs) program was created in response to healthcare disparities highlighted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and a clear gap in resident training on health equity. A pre-program survey showed that while 87% of residents believed training in care for underserved populations was important, only 7% felt very comfortable caring for vulnerable patients.<br /><br />The program’s goal is to develop physician leaders who can advocate for and advance health equity through education and hands-on experience within residency training. HEARs has grown rapidly over four years, expanding from 3 to 19 members. It also established 3 community-based clinical sites for resident rotations, strengthening residents’ exposure to underserved populations.<br /><br />The program has also supported scholarly work, with 11 graduated residents producing 7 publications or national presentations. Survey responses identified key training needs, including culturally sensitive care, clinical exposure, resource awareness, improved knowledge, and language training.<br /><br />Overall, the Stanford IM HEARs program demonstrates strong interest and measurable impact, suggesting a need for structured health equity education in physician training. The authors conclude that this model could be adapted elsewhere and hope to expand its impact through community partnerships.

Asset Subtitle

Christine Santiago

Meta Tag

Author List Christine Santiago, Emily Woods, Gabriela Spencer-Bonilla, Nancy F. Liu, Natasha Steele, Wendy Caceres

Category Innovations

Concept Health Equity Training

Concept Underserved Population

Concept Vulnerable Population

Concept Internal Medicine Residency

Concept Trainee Knowledge Gaps

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Stanford University

Presenting Author Christine Santiago

Track Education

Keywords

health equity

Stanford Internal Medicine

HEARs program

resident training

healthcare disparities

underserved populations

community-based clinical sites

physician leadership

culturally sensitive care

health advocacy

Health Equity Training

Underserved Population

Vulnerable Population

Internal Medicine Residency

Trainee Knowledge Gaps