Conducting Research at the Intersection of Equity, Medicine, and Education

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Xandro Xu ('25) is a Neuroscience major who conducted research on equity in medical education with Prof. Dorene Balmer through the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) program.

The fusion of equity, inclusion, medicine, and education has always been close to my heart. Thus, when I embarked on my research journey this summer, I was naturally drawn to a topic that encompassed these elements. The area of my investigation revolved around Design Justice, particularly its implications and potential in the realm of medical education. One pressing concern I hoped to address was the lack of equitable assessment systems in pediatric residency. The current landscape is riddled with challenges, especially for those learners who belong to historically marginalized communities. With such a backdrop, I felt compelled to contribute, hoping our efforts would spearhead a transformative change. The objective was clear: harness stakeholder-participatory strategies to overhaul pediatric residency assessments, making them more inclusive, fair, and representative.

The deeper I delved into the research, the more I became cognizant of the pervasive inequities that plague our medical education system. Learners from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender, disability, and other social groups often find themselves at a disadvantage due to systemic issues. This not only impacts their professional trajectory but has ripple effects on patients and the broader community. As we grappled with these issues, we realized the pressing need for knowledge regarding the creation of equitable assessment systems. Hence, our project was not just about identifying problems but also crafting tangible solutions. The aim was twofold: to devise a guidebook, grounded in evidence, that could assist other medical education programs in creating fairer assessment systems; and to pilot a prototype that, once refined, could be widely implemented in pediatric residency education.

Throughout this research experience, I underwent a profound personal transformation. It became evident to me that research was more than just an academic endeavor; it was a tool, a means to bring about change, and a reflection of my deepest passions. This venture has not only solidified my intent to pursue a career rooted in research but has also molded my approach towards problem-solving. The challenges I encountered prompted me to think out-of-the-box, to approach old problems with a fresh perspective, and to constantly seek innovative solutions. Furthermore, the research has acted as a catalyst, inspiring me to contemplate novel ways through which I could make meaningful contributions to my community.

This summer was also a period of intense learning and skill acquisition for me. Among the most significant skills I honed was the ability to distill vast amounts of information into concise and comprehensible formats. In a world inundated with information, the ability to discern and succinctly present the most pertinent details is invaluable. My communication skills also underwent refinement, allowing me to convey intricate concepts with clarity and confidence, regardless of the audience's background. Lastly, presenting my findings, often to experts in the field, boosted my confidence and honed my public speaking abilities. As I move forward, I envision myself leveraging these skills in myriad ways – from leading research teams to spearheading community outreach programs. The experiences and learnings from this summer have equipped me to tackle challenges head-on, and I am eager to apply this knowledge in future endeavors. - Xandro Xu

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