A UCF medical student, Hannah Wilson, has been honored with the Excellence in Public Health Service Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for her efforts in reducing healthcare disparities among minorities. Tracy MacIntosh, associate dean at UCF’s College of Medicine, commended Wilson for her dedication to health equity through clinical research and community health initiatives.
Wilson is a leader of the Medical Enrichment for Diverse Students (M.E.D.S.) program at UCF, which aims to provide mentorship and clinical exposure to underrepresented Orlando students interested in medicine from schools like Evans, Oakridge, and Jones high schools. The program strives to increase diversity in the medical field to better reflect the patient population.
Receiving the award, Wilson expressed her passion for addressing healthcare disparities and the importance of representation in the medical field. She emphasized the impact of having healthcare providers from diverse backgrounds on improving patient outcomes, citing the general mistrust minority communities have towards the healthcare system.
In addition to her work with the M.E.D.S. program, Wilson has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness about healthcare disparities and support marginalized communities. She served as president of the Student National Medical Association and volunteered at the Chapman Compassionate Care clinic, where she provided care to the homeless population in downtown Orlando.
Wilson also initiated the Bleeding with Dignity project at UCF, focusing on fighting period poverty by distributing menstrual hygiene products to those in need. Her passion for women’s health has driven her to pursue a career as an OB-GYN with the goal of addressing the high maternal mortality rate among Black women.
In conclusion, Wilson’s dedication to promoting health equity and diversity in the medical field has had a significant impact on her community. Her initiatives and leadership highlight the importance of healthcare providers who reflect the diverse backgrounds of the patients they serve, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes for all.
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