Making History Now: Dr. Nancy Oriol’s Impact on Mobile Healthcare
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, there are individuals who stand out as pioneers, shaping the future of medicine and making history in the process. One such trailblazer is Dr. Nancy Oriol, whose remarkable contributions to mobile healthcare have left an indelible mark on communities and institutions alike.
As the Faculty Associate Dean for Community Engagement in Medical Education at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Oriol has dedicated her career to making the theories of social determinants of health, structural racism, and health equity actionable. Through her role, she collaborates with the Program in Medical Education, community programs, and student groups to support both curricular and extracurricular service-learning activities.
However, Dr. Oriol’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Thirty years ago, in partnership with Boston communities, she created the Family Van, a mobile health clinic aimed at addressing health disparities. Today, the Family Van remains a trusted resource, providing over 4,000 health and social service visits annually. It serves as a vital venue where Harvard students engage with the community to tackle the social determinants of health head-on.
In addition to her work with the Family Van, Dr. Oriol co-founded HMS MEDscience, an innovative high school biology curriculum based on mannequin simulation. This program, designed to address the education achievement gap of local high schools, now serves over 1500 students annually and continues to grow. Harvard students play a pivotal role in MEDscience as assistant teachers and mentors, further enriching the learning experience.
Throughout her career, Dr. Oriol’s dedication to patient care, student mentorship, and community engagement has garnered widespread recognition. She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Dr. Louis W. Sullivan Award for Contribution to the Delivery of Health Services for Black Males and Their Families and The Gold Foundation’s Pearl Hurwitz Award for Humanism in Healthcare.
From her groundbreaking initiatives in mobile healthcare to her tireless advocacy for health equity, Dr. Nancy Oriol exemplifies the spirit of innovation and compassion that defines a true healthcare trailblazer. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us recognize and applaud the profound impact of women like Dr. Oriol who continue to make history in the field of medicine.