Critical determinants of children's health and well-being are rooted in socioecological and behavioral factors that are beyond the typical purview of the health care system. To adequately address health, pediatricians must unpack these through the lens of child health equity. 

In March 2021, the UAB Pediatric Residency Program launched the Health Equity Scholars (HES) Program, a three-year longitudinal curriculum for pediatric and medicine-pediatric residents. Eight pediatrics and medicine-pediatrics residents were chosen to participate in the program in 2021-22 academic year.

The curriculum consists of monthly two-hour didactic and experiential learning opportunities facilitated by trained faculty. Additionally, scholars participate in two community-based, immersive weekend long experiences across Alabama. The scholars visited Selma and Tuskegee to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, and the Poarch Creek Nation Reservation to learn more about Alabama’s Native American community and the Appalachian area in North Alabama. These experiences enhance resident insight into the historical antecedents behind today’s pediatric health inequities. They simultaneously derive insight into the systems-based opportunities to improve health equity. Scholars also participate in a health equity quality improvement project.

Evaluations of the immersive experiences and didactic sessions have been overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, preliminary data suggest that the curriculum has contributed to improved self-assessed cultural responsiveness. 

We are excited to announce the addition of two new scholars! Interns Stacy Young (Categorical Pediatrics) and Harshadayani Jagadish Kumar (Child Neurology) will be joining our great group of scholars this academic year.