In this course, we will delve into the complex intersection of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and their impact on health disparities. Explore how where we live, work, learn, and play influences health status, and examine the processes through which social drivers adversely affect health and drive inequities across the lifespan. Engage with experts across multiple sectors (e.g., medicine, public health, policy, and community) to critically analyze the mechanisms behind health disparities and discuss innovative solutions to achieving health equity. Apply an equity lens to deepen understanding of how marginalized populations are uniquely at risk for poorer health outcomes. Visit local community organizations through three external site visits to observe how organizations identify, prioritize, and address complex health issues. Collectively learn how communities, academic institutions, health professionals, and health care systems can work together to create meaningful change. Service-learning: All students will engage in a quarter-long service-learning project to support capacity-building within a local community partner organization. *For students seeking a longitudinal service-learning experience, they may apply for an extended 'Health Service Corps Fellowship' to be carried out in the Winter and Spring quarters (2-units/quarter) with a local clinical partner. Fellows will work with a clinic preceptor to address patient social needs in a clinical setting. Note, some, but not all, projects may involve patient engagement hours, important for those seeking pre-health experiences. Fellowship applications will occur 1-2 weeks before the start of the foundational course (Peds PEDS 150/PEDS 250; Humbio PEDS 122H; Med PEDS 202), and subsequent enrollment in Peds PEDS 250 B and C will be required. This is a Cardinal Course Certified by the Haas Center for Public Service. Link to form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeov-DMsYC8q5Eu4DAu9Ox44oQ2B07XK_dVZ-VoGpIOxtnOFg/viewform
3 units · Medical Option (Med-Ltr-CR/NC)
In this course, we will delve into the complex intersection of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and their impact on health disparities. Explore how where we live, work, learn, and play influences health status, and examine the processes through which social drivers adversely affect health and drive inequities across the lifespan. Engage with experts across multiple sectors (e.g., medicine, public health, policy, and community) to critically analyze the mechanisms behind health disparities and discuss innovative solutions to achieving health equity. Apply an equity lens to deepen understanding of how marginalized populations are uniquely at risk for poorer health outcomes. Visit local community organizations through three external site visits to observe how organizations identify, prioritize, and address complex health issues. Collectively learn how communities, academic institutions, health professionals, and health care systems can work together to create meaningful change. Service-learning: All students will engage in a quarter-long service-learning project to support capacity-building within a local community partner organization. *For students seeking a longitudinal service-learning experience, they may apply for an extended 'Health Service Corps Fellowship' to be carried out in the Winter and Spring quarters (2-units/quarter) with a local clinical partner. Fellows will work with a clinic preceptor to address patient social needs in a clinical setting. Note, some, but not all, projects may involve patient engagement hours, important for those seeking pre-health experiences. Fellowship applications will occur 1-2 weeks before the start of the foundational course (Peds 150/250; Humbio 122H; Med 202), and subsequent enrollment in Peds 250 B and C will be required. This is a Cardinal Course Certified by the Haas Center for Public Service. Link to form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeov-DMsYC8q5Eu4DAu9Ox44oQ2B07XK_dVZ-VoGpIOxtnOFg/viewform
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.