Aequitas Health Honor Society

The National Aequitas Health Honor Society was formed in 2021 to recognize a society of fellows dedicated to engaging in work rooted in improving health equity, anti-racism, and community engagement. The inaugural chapter was formed at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 2021. The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) Chapter was formed in 2023.

At LCOM, Aequitas Fellows are students, trainees, and fellows who are committed to addressing health disparities in their communities and center anti-racism in their efforts.  Their peers have recognized them individuals who have a deep understanding of social medicine and the structural causes of inequities, are very capable of learning with humility, and are excellent collaborators.

Inducted UVM Larner Aequitas Health Fellows...

Mission

To identify, recognize, and develop future physician leaders to address the glaring health inequities that exist in our society today.

Recognition

Chapters will recognize no more than 10% of the rising fourth-year medical student class as well as 1-2 faculty members and trainees, annually. Recognized medical students, trainees, and faculty will be identified as Aequitas Health Honor Society Fellows.

Selection Process

Aequitas Fellows are nominated by peers via an anonymous survey. The top 25% of the rising fourth year class will be invited to apply to be a Fellow, based on the peer nomination survey results.

All submitted applications are blinded, and the Honors Society Faculty Advisors score the applications. The top 10 highest scoring applicants are then invited to interview for a final selection of Aequitas Health Fellows.

The Aequitas Health Honor Society Selection Committee reviews all finalists' applications and interviews for final selection.

Social Medicine and Community Partnerships 

We envision that Aequitas Health Fellows will be leaders in cultivating longitudinal partnerships between community organizations and the Larner College of Medicine, which will advance causes that address disparities in health in our communities. 

Research

Aequitas Health Honor Society Fellows will have the opportunity to publish online research, thought pieces, commentaries, and other works through the online Aequitas Health Journal

UVM Larner College of Medicine Aequitas Health Chapter Advisor
Anisha Rimal, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Leading the development of Aequitas Health at UVM LCOM is Dr. Anisha Rimal, a pediatric hospitalist at the University of Vermont Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Dr. Rimal’s scholarly interest include advocacy, global health and social medicine. She is the co-director of FAM (Finding Affinity and Mentorship), a newly launching mentorship program for health profession students; she has also been involved in community organizing towards healing justice efforts in Winooski VT.

Aequitas Health Honor Society Selection Committee 2024:

Belan Antensaye 
Tiffany Delaney, MA.Ed.
LE Faricy, M.D.
Kristin Fontaine, M.P.H.
Debora Kamin-Mukaz, Ph.D., M.S.
Molly Rideout, M.D.
Anisha Rimal, M.D.
Katie Wells, M.D.