SOLUTIONING PHASE
Transforming Ideas into Action
The Diversity in Healthcare Student Conference at Penn State has introduced an exciting new addition: the Solutioning Phase, designed to provide a hands-on opportunity for students to brainstorm, develop, and propose tangible solutions to drive change on a local level. This phase aims to bridge the gap between discussing healthcare disparities and actively addressing them.
HOW IT WORKS
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Undergraduate student groups brainstorm innovative ideas to address the highlighted disparity, each led by a medical student mentor.
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Over the following month, students refine their solutions with further research and team discussions.
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The phase culminates in a presentation to an audience and a panel of judges, who evaluate each proposal based on criteria such as feasibility, impact, presentation quality, and community engagement.
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The top three solutions are reviewed at the award ceremony. Winners will receive monetary prizes to support the implementation of their ideas in the community.
2024 WINNERS & SOLUTIONS
First Place - $2,000
Medical Student Leader: Camille Moeckel
Team Members: Eliana Garza, Charvi Patel, Brenden Craigen, & Olivia Huet
Solution: Vaccine-Focused Field Day
The team organized an engaging field day event aimed at educating young children on the importance of vaccines. Through interactive games, prizes, and activities, the event sought to dispel common myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly targeting elementary school students.
Second Place - $1,500
Solution: Incorporating Vaccine educational programs/literacy into school curriculums
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Third Place - $1000
Solution: Educational Apps for physicians to use to educate patients and address language barriers
