FAQs
General Information
Q: What is the Diversity in Healthcare Conference?
A: The Diversity in Healthcare Conference is a student-led initiative at Penn State that brings together students, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to address disparities in healthcare. Through discussions, panels, and keynote speakers, the conference fosters discussion on cultural competency, health equity, and inclusive care.
Q: Who can attend the conference?
A: The conference is open to all Penn State students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members and pre-health students from other commonwealth campuses. Anyone interested in health equity and inclusive care is welcome!
Q: When and where is the conference held?
A: The conference takes place in the spring semester, typically in March on a Sunday. Exact dates, times, and venue details will be posted on our homepage and social media once confirmed.
Conference Content
Q: What topics will be covered?
A: Each year features a new theme and relevant subtopics! Past conferences have explored vaccine disparity, health communication, care for marginalized populations, gender and more.
Q: Will there be any guest speakers or professionals attending?
A: Yes! We invite a diverse lineup of speakers including physicians, public health leaders, medical students, and advocates in healthcare equity.
Registration & Participation
Q: How do I register for the conference?
A: You can register online through the form on our website once registration opens. Follow us on Instagram (@dhtconference) for the latest updates.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No, the conference is completely free thanks to our sponsors and student organization support.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs?
A: We do our best to accommodate all needs. You can note dietary or accessibility requirements on the registration form.
Academic & Professional Impact
Q: Will attending the conference count as an extracurricular or professional development event?
A: Yes. Attendance may be listed on resumes, especially for students interested in medicine, public health, or social justice. Participants will also receive a certificate from the Penn State College of Medicine.
Q: Can I use this experience in my medical or grad school applications?
A: Definitely! Students include the conference and solutioning phase on their applications and mention it during interviews to highlight their awareness of healthcare disparities.
Solution Phase & Awards
Q: What is the Solutioning Phase?
A: The Solutioning Phase is a follow-up opportunity for students who want to take their passion beyond the conference. In small teams led by a medical student mentor, participants will collaborate over 3–4 weeks to develop actionable solutions that address the year’s conference theme. These solutions are designed with local implementation in mind.
Q: What happens during the award ceremony?
A: At the end of the Solutioning Phase, each team presents their project to a panel of judges. The most promising proposal is awarded $3,000 in funding to help bring their idea to life in the local community over the following year.
Engagement
Q: Can I share any thoughts, concerns, and comments about my experience?
A: Yes! We welcome reflections, comments, and photos from past attendees. Please email us at DHTConference@psu.edu.
Q: How can I get involved with the conference?
A: There are several ways to participate! Each executive coordinator selects sub-chairs in the fall to help organize key aspects of the conference—keep an eye out for applications on our website or through AED announcements.
Students can also lead discussion groups centered on the conference theme during the fall and spring semesters. If you're interested in facilitating a discussion, reach out to our DHT Discussions Coordinator.
Finally, we welcome day-of volunteers to support logistics and event flow. If you'd like to help out during the conference, feel free to email us directly!