Student Hotspotting: A Potential Pathway Towards Health Equity

Health disparities driven by systemic inequities remain a critical challenge in the U.S. health care system. Student hotspotting offers a promising, patient-centered model that addresses the social drivers of health by embedding interprofessional student teams into the care journeys of high-need, high-cost patients. Through partnerships with community organizations and longitudinal support, students help patients navigate systemic barriers while gaining real-world experience in health equity and care coordination. Though challenges exist-such as sustainability and evaluation-student hotspotting fosters empathy, advocacy, and collaborative skills among future providers. Integrating this model into health care education can promote scalable, structural change and advance health equity.