Beyond the Classroom: A Food Security-Focused Experiential Learning Program for Developing Health Equity-Minded Medical Students

Authors

• Katrina Stumbras, Pediatric Endocrinology Fellow, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
• Rachel Hollander, Alice Hamilton Scholar, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
• Leah Newcomer, Associate Faculty, Department of Adolescent Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Lauren Ameden, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center.
• Nithya P. Vijayakumar, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
• Qadira Ali, Attending Pediatrician, Children's National Hospital, Community Health; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Alicia Tucker, Attending Pediatrician, Children's National Hospital, Community Health; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Kofi Essel, Health Outcomes Organization, Elevance Health; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Journal

MedEdPORTAL : the journal of teaching and learning resources

Volume

22

DOI

10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11575

Keywords

Cultural Humility; Food Insecurity; Nutrition; Patient Navigation; Resource Navigation; Social Determinants of Health; Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The scope of medical education has expanded to familiarize trainees with the impact of social determinants/drivers of health (SDoH) on health outcomes. However, few experiential learning curricula engage trainees in reducing health-related social needs. The Family Lifestyle Program Patient Navigator Initiative was developed as a novel experiential curriculum for training health equity-minded medical students in food insecurity (FI). METHODS: Student volunteers were recruited from local schools with entry points across all academic years. Student navigators completed training to develop skills to engage families referred from their medical home for FI- or diet-related chronic conditions. Training combined small-group, case-based, and didactic sessions on cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and management strategies for FI, with an emphasis on local and federal resources. Following training, navigators contacted families and provided individualized resource lists. Program evaluation included qualitative/quantitative data collection from participating students and families. RESULTS: Between 2021 and 2024, 76 students were trained, 1,355 patient referrals were made, and 640 families were provided resources. A subset of 22 navigators completed pre- and postparticipation surveys, showing a significant increase in confidence in communicating with families experiencing FI and identifying appropriate local resources. Student interviews demonstrated themes around improved communication skills, empathy, and interpersonal enrichment. DISCUSSION: This initiative demonstrates a feasible experiential learning opportunity for medical students. As health care systems increasingly recognize the influence of SDoH on health outcomes, curricula that incorporate hands-on engagement with public health and social needs are essential for cultivating the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors required of future clinicians.

APA Citation

Stumbras, Katrina; Hollander, Rachel; Newcomer, Leah; Ameden, Lauren; Vijayakumar, Nithya P.; Ali, Qadira; Tucker, Alicia; and Essel, Kofi, "Beyond the Classroom: A Food Security-Focused Experiential Learning Program for Developing Health Equity-Minded Medical Students" (2026). GW Authored Works. Paper 8743.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/8743

Department

Pediatrics