Imagine future doctors learning not just from textbooks, but from the heart of Boston’s communities. That’s the vision of Harvard Medical School’s Office for Community-Centered Medical Education (OCCME), where Daniel Palazuelos is reshaping how tomorrow’s physicians understand health, equity, and the people they’ll serve.
Two years after its launch in 2022, the OCCME is making significant strides in bridging the gap between medical education and community health. Under the leadership of Dr. Palazuelos, the initiative aims to deepen medical and dental students’ engagement with local communities in Boston, particularly in the neighborhoods of Mission Hill, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain.
Dr. Palazuelos brings a wealth of experience to his role as OCCME director. A community health implementer-educator, he holds positions at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Partners In Health. His career in global health equity began with grassroots work alongside community health workers in Chiapas, Mexico. This experience shaped his approach to addressing major global health challenges. Dr. Palazuelos has been instrumental in launching several impactful initiatives, including Compañeros En Salud – México, the Financing Alliance for Health, and the Community Health Impact Coalition. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic supporting migrant workers in Florida further exemplifies his commitment to community-centered health care.
The OCCME builds on a long-standing tradition of community engagement at HMS, dating back to the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine‘s inception 150 years ago. It also responds to student-led calls for increased community involvement and a deeper understanding of health equity issues.
The office’s programming includes a structured community accompaniment program, research opportunities, and a curriculum that integrates community perspectives into formal medical education. These initiatives aim to help students develop a more comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and the lived experiences of their future patients.
Palazuelos envisions the OCCME as a transformative force in medical education, one that will shape how future healthcare leaders approach patient care and health system management. He emphasizes the importance of optimism and action in the face of healthcare challenges.
The office’s impact extends beyond the classroom, fostering partnerships with local community organizations and health centers. This approach not only benefits the students but also supports the work of these community partners, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
“I hope OCCME becomes part of the fabric of the way we teach at Harvard Medical School, and that the model we have created is reproducible,” Palazuelos said in an interview with Harvard Medicine News. “By participating in conversations across medical schools, sharing resources and best practices, and advancing scholarship, we can build that model, not just at Harvard, but anywhere medical education is provided.”
Read the full story here: Harvard Medical School Students and Boston Community Organizers Learn Together
HMS Launches Office for Community Centered Medical Education