Our Mission
Gillis Langston and patient. Housing insecurity is one of the primary social determinants of health, as students observe during clinical rotations.
Susan Towler, Florida Blue Foundation’ s executive director, said exposing students to the challenges many people face in daily living will help cultivate a new generation of health care workers who are not only aware of but also prepared to confront those challenges head-on.
“ Our partnership with the FSU College of Medicine goes beyond mere financial support; it represents a commitment to a transformative movement aimed at reshaping the health care landscape for our most vulnerable communities,” she said.“ In doing so, we are ensuring that future health care professionals possess the knowledge, skills and empathy needed to meet the unique needs of their patients and contribute to a more equitable health care system for all.”
A portion of the grant will be used as the foundation for an endowment to fund the annual excursion, where incoming M. D., PA, Bridge and select undergraduate students spend a day in a rural Panhandle or Big Bend community.
providers, the necessity of traveling long distances for medical services and higher rates of uninsurance, which contribute to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancies compared to their urban counterparts. Addressing these challenges is central to Florida Blue Foundation’ s mission to help people and communities achieve better health.
“ With this endowment, we are not only providing support for students to pursue their educational goals but also increasing the pipeline of skilled health care workers equipped to serve their communities,” Towler said.“ This initiative will help bridge the gap in health care access and empower future leaders who are deeply connected to the areas they will serve, ultimately making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of rural Floridians.”
Nicknamed“ the rural trip,” the immersive day trip has long been a part of the College of Medicine’ s curriculum. Cancelled during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic and then held virtually once in-person classes resumed, the full excursion was held in May 2024 for the first time in five years.
Individuals in rural communities often encounter significant barriers to care, including a shortage of health care
Susan Towler
Florida State University College of Medicine
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A REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY