Greater Philadelphia

Advancing Health Equity Through Medical Education

A consortium of Greater Philadelphia medical schools who seek to expand representation of all individuals who seek to learn, practice, and teach in the region.

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CDHE Summit
CDHE Summit
CDHE Summit
Who We Are

Supporting the Future of Healthcare Through Education & Community

The Consortium Dedicated to Health Equity Education (CDHE) aims to help students, faculty, educators, and administrators who learn, practice, teach, and pursue research in healthcare and biomedical science within the greater Philadelphia area.

CDHE provides community-building opportunities, access to educational resources, professional development programming, and a collaborative platform to share best practices and tools within healthcare education.

What We Do

Annual Summit

A cornerstone convening bringing together stakeholders to discuss challenges, share best practices, and advance equity in healthcare education.

PADMed Program

A holistic pre-medical pathway for collegiate sophomores, providing academic coaching, mentorship, and professional development resources.

Training Workshops

Tailored workshops for pre-health advisors, faculty, and administrators on actionable equity strategies and resources.

Mentorship Network

Connecting students and early-career professionals with seasoned mentors to guide academic and professional journeys.

Grand Rounds

Cross-institutional discussions on pressing topics in healthcare education, including health disparities and holistic admissions.

Catalyst Learning Hub

A digital platform for exchanging resources, equity toolkits, and innovative solutions across consortium institutions.

2021
Founded
1,000+
Local medical professionals impacted
8
Member institutions
4
Annual summits

Stay Connected

Have a question, partnership idea, or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch
Home›About

Our Members

Eight Greater Philadelphia medical schools working together to advance health equity and support the health and wellness of our communities.

Member Institutions

United for Philadelphia's Health

Greater Philadelphia's medical schools — collaborating across institutions to advance health equity, support the communities we serve, and build a healthcare workforce that reflects all of Philadelphia.

Drexel University College of Medicine
Thomas Jefferson University
Perelman School of Medicine, UPenn
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine
Salus at Drexel University Health
PCOM
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Pipeline Program

PADMed Pathway Program

A holistic initiative supporting collegiate sophomores on their path to medical school — from advisement to application.

Apply Today Contact the Program
PADMed Program
PADMed Program
PADMed Program
PADMed Program

Program Overview

The PADMed Pathway Program is a holistic initiative designed to support collegiate sophomores on their path to medical school matriculation. This program provides a structured blend of academic, professional, and personal development resources to prepare scholars for the rigorous demands of medical education while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Program Structure

PADMed offers tiered support that evolves to meet students' changing needs from sophomore year through graduation. The program builds progressively, ensuring students are well-prepared both academically and professionally.

Core elements include academic coaching, tutoring, community engagement, and a focus on professional competencies aligned with the AAMC PREview framework. The program leverages both in-person and virtual learning modalities to accommodate diverse student schedules.

Program Components

  • Monthly advising sessions led by consortium member institutions
  • Academic coaching and MCAT preparation support
  • Workshops on professional competencies and medical school readiness
  • Mentorship with healthcare professionals and medical students
  • Community engagement and service learning opportunities
  • Personal statement and application support

Program Supports

  • Access to CDHE's Catalyst Learning Hub resources
  • Connection to the consortium's Mentorship Network
  • Workshop series on holistic admissions and healthcare equity
  • Networking with faculty and deans across eight institutions

Scholar Expectations

  • Maintain active participation in monthly programming
  • Engage with assigned academic advisor each semester
  • Complete program milestone requirements on schedule
  • Participate in at least one community engagement activity per semester

Questions?

Holly Rockingham
Program Manager
programs@philacdhe.org
Contact Holly

Who is PADMed for?

College sophomores from Greater Philadelphia universities pursuing medical school and seeking structured support, mentorship, and community.

AAMC PREview Framework

PADMed aligns professional development with the AAMC's core competencies for entering medical students.

Home›Events

Events

Conferences, workshops, and convenings advancing equity in medical education across Greater Philadelphia.

Featured Event

4th Annual Equity in Medical Education Summit

Apr
7
2026
Annual Summit
4th Annual Equity in Medical Education Summit
📍 College of Physicians of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, PA    🕗 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Join thought leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals as we explore the structural conditions that shape learner success and organizational culture in medicine. This year's summit features two inaugural interactive workshops on Restorative Practices and Cultural Humility & Empathy, alongside our signature keynote and poster competition.

Register Now View Full Agenda
Apr
22
2025
Past Event
3rd Annual Equity in Medical Education Summit
📍 National Constitution Center · 525 Arch St, Philadelphia PA 19106

Transforming Medical Education: Beyond Retention, Fostering Learner Vitality. Keynote by Lou Edje, MD, MHPE, FAAFP — Inaugural David M. Wu M.D. and Bernadine E. Wu M.D. Endowed Professor, University of Michigan Medical School.

This event has concluded.
Home›News

News & Insights

Updates, press releases, and perspectives from the CDHE community.

CDHEPress Release
August 18, 2025
CDHE Announces 4th Annual Equity in Medical Education Summit
The Consortium will host its fourth annual convening at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on April 7, 2026.
Read more →
+Insights
August 18, 2025
Structural Barriers in Medical Admissions: What the Data Shows
A closer look at how systemic factors — not individual deficits — shape who gets into medical school.
Read more →
✦Insights
August 18, 2025
PADMed Inaugural Cohort: Lessons from Year One
Reflections from program staff, mentors, and scholars on what worked and where the pathway is headed next.
Read more →
Home›Grants

Grant Application

CDHE Knowledge & Research Grant Administration — supporting equity-centered research and innovation in health professions education.

CDHE offers multiple grant types: Research Grants support empirical investigations into health equity, admissions, curriculum, and workforce development. Program Development Grants fund the design and implementation of equity-centered educational programs. Dissemination Grants support sharing best practices across consortium institutions and the broader field.

CDHE runs an annual grant cycle. Letters of Intent are accepted on a rolling basis. Full Applications are due by the close of the annual cycle. Review Period: 6–8 weeks following submission. Award Notification: within 10 weeks. Funding Period: 12–24 months from award date.

Applicants must be affiliated with a CDHE member institution, propose work that directly advances health equity in education, have institutional authorization, and be in good standing with any previous CDHE funding.

A complete application includes: project abstract (500 words max), full project narrative, budget and budget justification, CV or biosketch for all key personnel, letter of support from institutional leadership, and IRB documentation if applicable.

Awards are disbursed in installments based on project milestones. Awardees must submit receipts and documentation for reimbursable expenses. Allowable costs include personnel time, supplies, dissemination activities, and approved travel. Indirect costs are not supported.

All awardees must submit a mid-cycle progress report at the project midpoint and a final report within 60 days of project end, including outcomes data, lessons learned, and dissemination plans.

Ready to Apply?

Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements, then submit your application.

Grant Application Portal Questions? Contact Us

Need Help?

CDHE staff can assist with pre-submission consultations. Contact us before you apply to ensure your project aligns with current funding priorities.

Get in Touch

Why Your Gift Matters

CDHE's work depends on sustained investment from individuals and organizations who share our commitment to a more equitable healthcare workforce. Every gift — at any level — supports the programs, students, and educators driving this change.

How Funds Are Used

  • PADMed pathway programming and scholar support
  • Annual Equity in Medical Education Summit
  • Knowledge & Research Grants for faculty and students
  • Training workshops for pre-health advisors and educators
  • Mentorship network coordination and resources

Make a Gift

All donations are processed securely through PayPal. CDHE is a nonprofit organization.

Donate Now

Questions about giving? Contact info@cdhe.org

Home›Contact

Get in Touch

Stay connected for the latest updates on events, programs, and opportunities across the CDHE consortium.

We'd love to hear from you

Whether you're a student, faculty member, administrator, or community partner — CDHE is here to connect you with resources, programming, and community.

General Inquiriesinfo@cdhe.org
Media Inquiriescommunications@philacdhe.org
PADMed Programprograms@philacdhe.org
Communications ManagerNicole Garcia
Program Manager, PADMedHolly Rockingham
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