2025 Colorado Healthcare Ethics Forum Annual Conference

Join us for an insightful conference presentation exploring the "Urban Underserved" class at RVUCOM. This transformative two-semester enrichment track prepares medical students to serve diverse and vulnerable populations adeptly. This course not only educates students about the unique healthcare needs of refugees, homeless individuals, veterans, and the LGBTQ community in the Metropolitan Denver area but also deeply immerses them in the complexities and rewards of working with these underserved groups.

Our presentation will focus on the experiential learning and personal growth our students achieve through their involvement in the class, confronting challenges such as PTSD, addiction, and language barriers that complicate healthcare delivery.

The session will highlight how the course integrates clinical experiences with a strong foundation in the social determinants of health, enhancing students' abilities to navigate and address issues like income insecurity, food scarcity, and employment challenges that often intersect with health outcomes.

This program not only augments students' medical education but also enriches their perspective on global health and social responsibility. By attending, you will gain insights into how future healthcare professionals are being equipped to deliver compassionate and competent care to some of the most marginalized communities, ultimately shaping them into more empathetic, effective practitioners.

Objectives:

Understand the Unique Challenges: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific healthcare needs and challenges faced by underserved populations such as refugees, homeless individuals, veterans, and LGBTQ communities in urban settings. Engage with Real-World Outcomes: Hear first-hand accounts from students about their transformative experiences and the practical skills they have acquired, which they can apply in their future medical practices.