Interprofessional Health Equity Incubator

What Can We Do About It?

When students learn about the impact of social determinants of health on health equity, it's the question many of them ask.

Even though social determinants of health are now more commonly integrated into health professions curricula—experiences in health equity solutions are often lacking.

The Interprofessional Health Equity Incubator Fills the Gap

The Interprofessional Health Equity Incubator (IHEI) offers: 

Skill-building Curriculum

Build foundational skills in the theory and practice of health equity solutions that address inequities and social determinants of health.

Service Learning

Collaborate with community partners to work on health equity projects that align with the priority needs of the western Massachusetts community as identified by Baystate Health's Community Health Needs Assessments.

Community of Practice

Participate in an interprofessional group of students, community partners and faculty to explore, learn and reflect on innovations in health equity solutions. Community of Practice sessions will build an innovative mindset, align learning, and share best practices to impact health equity in the western MA region.
The IHEI Community of Practice: Innovator’s Series launches October 21st!

The Certificate in Health Equity Solutions Theory and Practice 

Eligibility

The Certificate of Completion in Health Equity Solutions Theory and Practice is available to students enrolled in a health professions education program at one of our educational partner sites.

Completion Requirements

To earn the certificate, students must:

1. Complete IHEI enrollment and orientation

2. Participate in the poverty simulation

3. Complete the required online modules

Set 1: Introductory modules

• Introductory Module 1: “PURCH” Principles & community lens
• Introductory Module 2: Self-Reflection and Self-Critique
• Introductory Module 3: Introduction to Health Equity

Set 2: IHEI Modules, Part 1

• Module 1: Community History, Culture & Context
• Module 2 (3 parts) : Cultural Humility, Bias and Building Relationships
• Module 3: Social Determinant of Health and Community Resources

Set 3: IHEI Modules, Part 2

• Module 4: Interprofessional communication and practice in health equity
• Module 5: Historical and Theoretical Health Systems
• Modules 6 (3 parts): Health Equity Theory and Practice

4. Participate in a community health equity project

View the entire health equity projects catalog.

Examples include:

• Food Justice Fair at MLK Jr Family Services
• Rural Transportation Equity at Quaboag Valley CDC
• Nutrition Education at Square One
• Community health education, prevention and screening services in under-served communities with Baystate's Wellness on Wheels bus 

5 Participate in the IHEI community of practice

6. Maintain a portfolio of completed requirements

Portfolio Checklist:

• Student Plan & Roadmap
• Health Equity Project- Work Plan
• Program Agreement
• Completed modules
• Health Equity Reflections & Time Log
• Final Program Reflection
• IHEI Program Feedback Form
• Final Oral Presentation

How to Participate

1. Review program requirements.
2. Contact the designated program advisor for your school to schedule an introductory meeting.
3. Rank the health equity projects listed in the catalog.

Note: If you aren't seeking to qualify for the certificate, find out how you may still participate. Email IHEI@baystatehealth.org