January 2, 2025 Posted by AHW Endowment
Throughout 2024, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) shared stories highlighting transformative healthcare initiatives and important health topics affecting Wisconsin communities. From advancing diversity in medical education to exploring cutting-edge technologies, our blog provided insights from MCW researchers and updates on AHW-funded projects making an impact across the state.
Here are highlights from AHW's 2024 blogs, showcasing innovative work to improve health outcomes and advance health equity for all Wisconsin residents.
Empowering Diversity in Healthcare: Milwaukee's First Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit
On May 4, 2024, the first-ever Black Men in White Coats Milwaukee Youth Summit brought together students, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals for a day of medical exploration. Through hands-on workshops and engaging panel discussions, participants experienced a wide range of medical specialties firsthand, building a foundation for a more diverse healthcare workforce in Wisconsin.
The summit, hosted by AHW with the support of community partners, offered students interactive experiences with surgical techniques, emergency medicine, and more. These in-person opportunities, combined with inspiring discussions and mentorship connections, provided an important step to creating pathways for underrepresented youth to pursue careers in medicine.
AI in Healthcare: Exploring the Possibilities
In an episode of Coffee Conversations with Scientists, Bradley Crotty, MD, MPH, chief digital officer for the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Health System, chief medical officer and Interim President for Inception Health, and associate professor of medicine at MCW, shared insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery. Current applications are making healthcare more accessible and efficient, while important considerations around privacy, bias, and regulation shape how these technologies evolve. Healthcare organizations are implementing AI tools like remote monitoring and diagnostic support to enhance patient care.
Hear about Dr. Crotty’s discussion of the balance between advancing these promising technologies and ensuring their responsible implementation, with a focus on maintaining privacy and promoting equitable access for all patients.
MS in Global Health Equity Program Transforms Healthcare in Wisconsin
Made possible with a four-year investment by AHW in 2019, MCW’s Masters of Science (MS) in Global Health Equity program is preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to address critical health inequities. Through international fieldwork and mentorship from global health experts, students gain unique perspectives that they bring back to serve Wisconsin communities.
The program's success is evident in its growing impact across the state. Learn how its graduates are now leading health equity initiatives at local health departments, conducting groundbreaking disparities research, and working to improve healthcare access throughout Wisconsin's diverse communities
AHW Health Research Grants Support Maternal Health Improvements
AHW-funded projects are working to improve maternal health outcomes across Wisconsin, where significant disparities exist among different communities. Innovative programs supporting drug-free pregnancy and enhanced mental health screening are creating better health outcomes for mothers throughout our communities.
These initiatives are addressing critical gaps in maternal healthcare through targeted interventions and community partnerships. Find out how AHW's investments are supporting mothers before, during, and after pregnancy while working to reduce disparities and improve access to quality care across the state.
Bacteria and the Microbiome: Why Bacteria Is Crucial to Our Health
Trillions of microorganisms make up our microbiome, living in and on our bodies. In an episode of Coffee Conversations with Scientists, Nita Salzman, MD, PhD, professor, Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology; director, Medical Scientist Training Program; founding director, Center for Microbiome Research at MCW, discussed the crucial role bacteria play in our bodies and the importance of the microbiome communities that are essential to our good health.
Dr. Salzman detailed the complex relationship between diet, gut health, and overall wellness, and explored the challenges that come with common misconceptions about "good" and "bad" bacteria. Find out what practical strategies she suggested for supporting a healthy microbiome and how these microscopic organisms influence everything from our metabolism to our mental health.
MAAPET Program Builds Diverse Healthcare Workforce through Accelerated Training
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The innovative Medical Assistant Accelerated Pathway to Employment Training (MAAPET) program addresses critical healthcare workforce needs while creating career opportunities in Wisconsin communities. Through a streamlined curriculum, the AHW-funded program reduces traditional training time by up to 85% while maintaining high completion and placement rates.
Through partnerships between Employ Milwaukee, regional health systems, and MCW, the program has exceeded its initial goals, training 131 students with an 88% completion rate. Read how the program's sustainable model has now expanded beyond its initial AHW funding, creating pathways for diverse candidates to enter healthcare careers and potentially advance to nursing and other medical professions.
Looking Ahead to 2025
AHW is proud to support health-focused research and community-led projects that improve health for all Wisconsinites, sharing valuable insights and updates through our blog. As we move into 2025, we look forward to highlighting more stories about the impact of our investments and exploring Wisconsin's most pressing health topics. Here's to another year of working together toward a healthier Wisconsin.
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