Monthly News for Medical Students

The Scope is APEx’s way of connecting news, thoughts, and opportunities with medical student interests across our membership network. Scroll to read through our most recent issue. To view all issues and apply for opportunities, join our membership network today!

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating Black Men’s Wellness on June 7th

On Saturday, June 7th, from 7 AM to noon, APEx partnered with the African American Men’s Wellness Agency, Senator Sharif Street, Temple University’s Community Affairs & Engagement team, Johnson & Johnson, and other community partners to host Black Men’s Wellness Day at Temple University's Aramark STAR Complex

What went down:

  • A 5K walk/run kicked off the morning, getting the community moving early and setting a positive tone Pennsylvania Senate Democrats.

  • Inside the STAR Complex, the Medical Resource Village featured 100 nurses, clinicians, and Black Doctors in White Coats, offering no-cost biometric screenings:

    • 402 biometric screenings,

    • 102 kidney tests,

    • 105 prostate exams,

    • 75 colon screenings,

    • 84 vision exams, and

    • 71 spinal adjustments and massages

What’s the Point?

Black Men’s Wellness Day was created to directly address the persistent health disparities affecting Black men in the U.S., who have a life expectancy nearly 10 years shorter than other demographic groups. Senator Sharif Street, one of the event’s key partners, emphasized the urgency of closing this gap. The event offered free, comprehensive health screenings, resources, and the opportunity to engage with trusted healthcare providers—all in an accessible, community-based setting. Attendees were able to ask questions, build rapport with clinicians, and receive personalized referrals for follow-up care, creating a supportive environment focused on empowerment and prevention.

APEx student volunteers played a vital role in the event’s success. From setting up tables and managing check-ins to guiding attendees and sharing wellness resources, our team was actively involved throughout the morning. The experience provided a real-world opportunity to connect with the community and reinforce our organization’s mission: to support future health professionals in engaging with underserved populations and promoting health equity through action.

In total, over 400 health screenings were delivered, including checks for blood pressure, kidney function, prostate health, vision, and more. The event’s mix of physical activity, medical services, wellness education, and family-friendly engagement helped make health feel more approachable and inclusive. By showing up and stepping in, APEx volunteers contributed to a welcoming, well-organized space that reminded everyone what community-centered care can look like.

(From left to right) Meera Krishnan, Jaun Young-Johnson, Raven Boateng preparing to engage with the community after setting up APEx’s table during 5k walk/run portion of the event.

Our first summer bridge session hosted by Vinh Dang, rising M2 at Jeff, on how to navigate hematology oncology during M1.

Bridging the Gaps in Medical School

This summer, APEx launched its first Summer Bridge Program—a peer-led initiative designed to ease the transition for incoming M1s at medical schools across Philadelphia. Recognizing that the leap into medical school can be overwhelming, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds or non-traditional paths, the program aimed to offer early, targeted support before classes even began.

The structure was simple but powerful: rising M2s were matched with M1s at their own institutions to lead virtual small-group sessions. These sessions went beyond generic advice—they focused on the specific blocks M1s would face first, with insider tips on what to expect, how to study effectively, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Students shared curated Anki decks, block-specific study schedules, and strategies that helped them succeed the year prior.

Beyond academic prep, the program created space for M1s to ask questions in a low-pressure setting, get honest advice from peers, and build early connections in what can otherwise feel like an isolating transition. In a field where mentorship often starts too late, this model gave students a head start with real-time, relevant insight.

Thanks to the M2s who volunteered their time to run these sessions—many during their own busy summers—the program reached dozens of new students across multiple institutions. Feedback from M1s reflected deep appreciation not just for the practical tips, but also for the sense of welcome and support that carried into their first weeks of school.

Looking ahead, APEx hopes to expand the Summer Bridge Program into a recurring, citywide initiative that strengthens medical student networks and promotes academic equity from day one.

Got research?


APEx is now accepting abstracts for our Beyond the Wards Symposium this fall! Submit your work for a chance to present to physicians, residents, and fellow students, and compete in our poster competition at the Symposium on October 11th at Jefferson Alumni Hall.