Through a powerful partnership with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, WUHC offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage directly in clinical care settings. This initiative allows volunteers to serve as bedside visitors, transport technicians, and patient support aides—roles that offer invaluable exposure to patient-centered care. These interactions not only provide comfort and companionship to patients but also foster empathy, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of the healthcare system among our student volunteers. It remains one of our most meaningful programs, building bridges between aspiring healthcare professionals and the communities they hope to serve.

In collaboration with Cancer Screening Advocates (CSA), we work to address critical disparities in early cancer detection within underserved communities. With research showing that early detection leads to over a 90% five-year survival rate, our efforts focus on increasing awareness and participation in routine screenings—particularly among populations that face disproportionate barriers to care. Together with CSA, we provide tailored educational materials, host awareness campaigns, and connect individuals with free or low-cost screening services. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to reducing preventable mortality and ensuring that every community, regardless of background, has access to life-saving information and resources.

The WUHC Healthcare Scholars Program is a selective program offered every spring semester that seeks to cultivate interest in the healthcare field among a passionate cohort of high school students. Students learn about the various elements of the healthcare system, from the role of providers to the dilemmas faced by policymakers. Students will also learn how to read and think critically about scholarly scientific literature.