Hackathon Challenges Students to Tackle Real-World Health Issues

Teams of students will leverage technology to develop innovative solutions to health challenges with the help of expert mentors.

This article was originally written for MCPHS by Jennifer Persons.

A first-of-its-kind program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) will challenge students to develop innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery, operations, and patient experiences in underserved settings.

In the Hack the Health Gap Innovation Hackathon, multidisciplinary teams of students will be tasked with addressing a real-world challenge as identified by local community health centers. The hackathon is organized by the Center for Research and Discovery and School of Healthcare Business and Technology at MCPHS, in partnership with the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI), part of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

"The hackathon places our students at the intersection of healthcare and technology in an environment that empowers them through mentorship to co-create innovative solutions with real community impacts," said Dr. Michael Spooner, Dean of the School of Healthcare Business and Technology. "By bridging disciplines and partnering with local health centers, this event transforms ideas into innovations that create a more equitable world for all."

Designing practical, scalable solutions

Once teams are assigned an issue to address, they will begin designing creative, testable, and scalable solutions. This could take many forms, such as an app, a digital platform, or leveraging artificial intelligence to improve operations. While students are encouraged to be innovative and creative, they are expected to develop solutions that are practical, tangible, and pilot-ready.

"MeHI is excited to partner with MCPHS on the hackathon," said Keely Benson, Director of MeHI. "This is a big step to ensure that innovators and the workforce of tomorrow understand the health care needs of communities so they can develop creative ways to address them."

Mentorship and interactive learning

Each team will be assigned an expert mentor to provide guidance throughout the hackathon. Students will also attend four interactive sessions throughout the year led by panels of mentors. These sessions will cover topics including digital health tools and technology, clinical considerations, operations, and pitch coaching.

Pitching solutions at the Student Research Conference

In the spring, teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at the Student Research Conference, an annual event hosted by the Center for Research and Discovery. At the end of the program, MCPHS students will have developed tangible solutions to improve health outcomes across the state.

"Community-based experiential learning opportunities are evidenced to result in significant educational benefits for students that last beyond collegiate matriculation, into graduate school or careers," said Dr. Keri Griffin, Dean of the Center for Research and Discovery. "MCPHS and MeHI understand the benefits of this programming and are at the forefront of establishing networks for students to gain early competence in creative problem solving, teambuilding, community engagement, and developing informed perspectives."

Eligibility and mentor opportunities

The hackathon is open to students enrolled in a Boston-based program in at least their second year of study and in good academic standing.

Organizers are also seeking mentors—including MCPHS faculty and alumni—to volunteer and share their expertise with the next generation of digital health leaders. Those interested in becoming a mentor or would like more information should visit the MCPHS website.

This hackathon is just one of many opportunities for MCPHS students to broaden their horizons, collaborate with peers, and explore exciting projects that can contribute to a dynamic career.