Who We Are
The Urban Health Scholars Program (UHS) was first considered by two Geisel students who saw a need to connect our medical school community with urban communities, which is ultimately where the majority of our students will practice medicine. Another hope the founding students had was to attract more minority students to apply to the Geisel School of Medicine. Some minority students may be reluctant to apply to Dartmouth due to the school's rural location; UHS provides yet another avenue through which students have the opportunity to connect with underserved patients and minority communities while living here in the Upper Valley.
With financial assistance from the AOA medical student honor society and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, the UHS program was launched in the fall of 2006; five first year medical students and three second year medical students were selected. Each year, approximately four new scholars with leadership potential and an interest in urban health are selected to join the program.
This program provides exciting opportunities for scholars to learn about urban healthcare service and delivery to underserved communities in cities such as Boston, MA and Manchester, NH. Scholars participate in urban health cultural tours, national conferences, connect with urban health departments (i.e. Homeless shelters, state health departments, and community clinics), host educational events, discuss scholarly papers, and bring speakers to campus. The scholars work to increase awareness of urban issues and health disparities among their peers and the community at large. Additionally, scholars find opportunities to serve patients and participate in community events in the Boston and Manchester areas.
The Urban Health Scholars program is currently housed within the Office of Student and Multicultural Affairs here at the Geisel School of Medicine.
Check out what we have accomplished in the community!
Geisel Students Build a Passion for Urban Health