Social Impact and Belonging

Creating a Sense of Belonging

We strive to graduate a student body that reflects the varied experiences, viewpoints and backgrounds found in communities near and far. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply and aim to create a learning environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. The Office of Multicultural Affairs for Health Professions Learners supports students throughout their academic careers.

Our five health professions programs and our research enterprise reflect the Wisconsin Idea in action, positively influencing people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the university and throughout the communities we serve. We are committed to building community among faculty, staff, residents and fellows, and we collaborate to ensure that our work, research and care environments are welcoming and supportive of everyone.

Student belonging resources

Staff and faculty resources

Office of Social Impact and Belonging

The Office of Social Impact and Belonging provides strategic leadership, direction and coordination of social impact and belonging practices within the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. The office also collaborates with UW Health on social impact and belonging efforts, and advances high-impact and effective innovation across the missions of both institutions. 

With a focus on intentional change across the entire academic health center, the Office of Social Impact and Belonging breaks down silos, connects across the organization and advances efforts in the departments, institutes, centers and programs. 

More about social impact and belonging

Community Engagement

Students, faculty and staff at the School of Medicine and Public Health are involved with many community engagement initiatives. Each of our health professions programs encourages students to participate in community service. Faculty are involved in many research and outreach projects that directly benefit families and individuals from all communities across Wisconsin. From improving maternal and child health to lowering risks for chronic illness, from providing free medical care to funding community-based projects, we leverage creativity, curiosity and a sense of purpose to share the benefits of education and research in ways that improve lives near and far.

Programs and Initiatives

We are advancing health and health equity through remarkable service to patients and communities, outstanding education, and innovative research.

• Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships
  Based in Milwaukee, the Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships (CCEAHP) connects communities and investigators with an interest in working with populations that have gaps in health outcomes in innovative ways.
• Center for Health Disparities Research
  Investigators with the Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR) focus on how physical environment and social conditions intersect to influence an individual’s health.
• Institute for Clinical and Translational Research’s Pathway Program
  The Pathway Program supports the mentorship and professional development of scholars conducting clinical and translational research at different stages of an academic career who are focused on clinical and/or translational research that could advance health and well-being.
• MEDiC
  MEDiC provides basic health care to communities in Madison, while enhancing the education of health professions students in the School of Medicine and Public Health and other health sciences schools at UW–Madison.
• Prevention Research Center
  The Prevention Research Center’s mission is to improve the health of low-income women, infants and families in Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Partnership Program
  The Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) awards grants to community, education and research partners who are advancing health equity, training the next generation of health professionals and discovering innovative treatments.