Resource Library >> Social Mission Case Study

Florida International University College of Medicine

Domain: Community Engagement, Curriculum & Programming, Pathways & Graduation, Students & Faculty

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) demonstrates how integrating community service with medical education can transform healthcare delivery while creating pathways for underrepresented students in medicine. Through its flagship Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP program, HWCOM has revolutionized community-based medical education.

The program’s impact is substantial, with interprofessional student teams conducting over 7,400 household visits serving more than 2,200 community members. This hands-on approach has resulted in graduating students reporting significantly higher experience rates in interprofessional education (95.7% vs 79.7% nationally) and health disparities awareness (84.1% vs 61.7% nationally).

HWCOM’s commitment to community health extends through multiple initiatives: The Student Faculty Collaborative Clinic provides free healthcare in Opa Locka, Florida, the Linda Fenner 3D Mobile Mammography Center has delivered over 5,000 free screenings to uninsured women, and STEM Saturdays engages local children in science education.

The college’s success in developing a diverse medical workforce is evident in its Class of 2024 composition: 26% Hispanic/Latino students (vs 6.2% nationally), 11% African American/Black students (vs 7.1% nationally), and 48% bilingual students. This achievement has earned HWCOM recognition as the #1 most diverse public medical school nationally.

Supporting this diversity are targeted pipeline programs including Doctors of Tomorrow for college students and Junior Doctors of Tomorrow for high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The impact is clear: 57% of graduates choose primary care specialties and 42% remain in Florida, effectively addressing physician shortages in underserved areas while transforming medical education.

Through this comprehensive approach, HWCOM is building a pipeline of culturally competent physicians who will serve their communities for generations to come, while simultaneously addressing current healthcare disparities and preparing the next generation of diverse healthcare leaders.

“The DOT program was a huge milestone in my journey of becoming a future physician. It reaffirmed my confidence and capabilities regardless of my socioeconomic status or skin color. And the faculty and guest speakers were extremely insightful. I am forever thankful to have been selected for the DOT program, and I hope to be a part of the College of Medicine in the near future!”

Jaylanie Lopez

Publications

Greer, P. J., Jr, Brown, D. R., Brewster, L. G., Lage, O. G., Esposito, K. F., Whisenant, E. B., Anderson, F. W., Castellanos, N. K., Stefano, T. A., & Rock, J. A. (2018). Socially Accountable Medical Education: An Innovative Approach at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 93(1), 60–65. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000001811

Diagram of classroom curriculum aligning with household visit activities.

Case study developed by Sadiyah Anderson.

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