Health Equity Scholars Program

The Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics are pleased to announce the pilot of the Health Equity Scholars Program for the upcoming 2023-2024  academic year. This is a voluntary program for residents who are interested in deepening their knowledge and experience in health equity and envision this work to align with their professional goals. The program is open to rising second year residents in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Residents in combined programs within these departments are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Our first cohort of scholars has been selected and will begin the program in the Fall 2023. 

Through a two-year longitudinal learning experience integrated within their clinical training, Health Equity Scholars will:

  • Become physicians with outstanding clinical skills who also understand the full range of determinants of health and systemic barriers that lead to inequities in health care.
  • Develop a foundational knowledge of resources available to overcome systemic barriers in health care to ensure exceptional, equitable care is provided to marginalized and underserved populations.
  • Develop leadership, communication, scholarship and advocacy skills to advance health equity.
  • Become familiar with implicit biases and recognize the impact biases have on promoting health inequities.
  • Develop a framework for addressing implicit biases in an effort to improve health equity for marginalized and underserved populations.

Curriculum Overview:

  • 8 residents were selected to participate in the initial cohort of the Scholars Program starting in the fall of 2023. 
  • All residents will participate in two day-long immersive experiences per year (one in the fall, one in the spring), where they will be introduced to principles of health equity and will explore the historical context of health disparities and inequities. 
  • Scholars will meet every other month for two hours throughout the year for didactic and experiential learning opportunities.  

We anticipate that the next program application cycle will re-open in the Spring of 2024 for additional applicants. The exact number of applicants for the next cycle will be determined at that time. 

For more information or questions about the program, please contact: 

Internal Medicine Categorical residents:  Dr. Erica Tate etate1@tulane.edu or Dr. Celeste Newby cnewby@tulane.edu 

Pediatrics or Combined program residents:  Dr. Kim Mukerjee kmukerje@tulane.edu or Dr. Connie Gistand cgistand@tulane.edu