About the Program
Every fall, a group of University of San Diego students are selected to participate in a program to learn about health inequities in the San Diego region. Many people often take “health” and “access to health” for granted with our worst fears being something that cannot be avoided such as cancer or an unfortunate accident.
This program is not designed to be a clinical experience but more importantly, it introduces students to the harsh realities of health inequities and the social determinants of health in our community — providing a lens to better understand the state of health in our state, our country and the factors at play. These issues will be explored through a series of seminar presentations and dialogue led by community leaders and health providers and a 10-hour community engagement experience.
The program is suitable for any student pursuing a career in health care, health policy or public health administration. Upon completion of the program seminars and project, students will receive a certificate of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, students must be a second-year or higher (based on course credits accumulated).
Applications open in August.
Seminars vary by semester and in the past have included:
- “Health Inequities and the Social Determinants of Health”
- “Community Organizing and its Impact on Health”
- “Education and the Impact on Health”
- “Meeting the Health Needs of the Underserved in San Diego”
- “Environmental Justice in San Diego”
- “Border Health: Providing Care to Vulnerable Populations”
The program is held in the fall semester and students meet bi-monthly on Thursdays during Torero hours.
No, the program is a volunteer experience.